mm
JBBNWYORKBOTANICALGARli
=,7^1. n.b' 1399 W
iw^.^^^
CLASS-BOOK OF BOTANY,
DESIG.VED FOR
COLLEGES, ACADEMIES, AND OTHER SE.MLNARIES
WHERE THE SCIENCE IS TAUGUT.
En Stoo ipacts:
PART I.
THE ELEMENTS OF BOTANICAL SCIENCK
TART IL
THE NATURAL ORDERS,
ILLUSTRATED EY
A FI.ORA OF TIIE NOIITIIERN UNITED STATES,
PARTICULAKLY NEW ENGLAND AND NEW YORK.
BY ALPHONSO WOOD, A. M.
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL IN KIMBALL UNION ACADEMY.
LIBRARV
BOSTON:
PUBLISHED BY CROCKEll & BREWSTER.
CLAREMONT, N. H., SIMEON IDE.
1845.
Entered accordmg to an Act of Congress, in the year of our Lord lS4i5, by
ALPHONSO WOOD,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
TO THE
REV. CHESTER DEWEY, M. D., D. D.,
PROFESSOR OP NATURAL SCIENCE IN' THE BERKSHIKK AND OTHER MltDICAL
IKSTIIUTIONS, AUTHOR OF THE REPORT ON THE HERBACEOOS
PLANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS, MONOGRAPH ON
THE CARICES, ETC. ETC.
THIS VOLUME
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, BY
THE AUTHOR.
PRE FAC E
That there is need of a new Class-Book of Botany, prepared on the basis of
the present advanced state of the science, and, at the same time, adapted to the
circumstances of the mass of students collected in our institutions and seminaries
of learning, is manifest to all who now attempt either to teach or to learn. The
time has arrived when Botany should no longer be presented to the learner
encumbered with the puerile misconceptions and barren facts of the old school,
but as a System of Nature, raised by recent researches to the dignity and rank
of a science founded upon the principles of inductive philosophy. The study
of this science through the medium of the system of Jussieu, is adapted, not
merely to the amusement of the mind, but eminently to its discipline ; and needs
no longer to be excluded from popular pursuit by cumbrous and costly tomes.
That theory of the floral structure which refers each organ to the principle of the
leaf, long since propounded in Germany by the poet Goethe, and recently
admitted, by authors generally, to be coincident with facts, is adopted, of course,
-N^ in the present work. Entering into almost every department of the science, it
^Z" has given a new aspect to the whole face of it ; and it reveals, more clearly than
any other discovery has ever done, the beauty and simplicity of that plan on
which Creative Power is exerted in the production of the countless fonns of
vegetable existence.
How far the present work may be adapted to the diffusion of this important
science, in its present advanced state, a candid public must determine. I have
„ undertaken and accomplished it, thus far, from a thorough conviction of my own
^ need of such aid as is here contemplated, both in acquiring and imparting
'"''■"'' knowledge in this department of natural history.
The First Tart contains a summary of the Elements of Botany, according to
the latest authorities, written in the fonn of simple propositions, briefly illus-
trated, and broken into short paragraphs with direct reference to the convenience
of the learner. Brief as it is, it is hoped that it will be found to embody all the
established principles of the science contained in fonner school treatises, together
with tliosc newly discovered principles in Organography and Physiology, by
which the science has been really enriched and advanced.
The Flora comprehends all the Phocnogamous plants, with the ferns, &-c.,
which have hitlierto been diprovcrcd, nnd dcsciihcd as indijrcnons to the New
England States and New York, tomtlicr witli the naturalized exotics, and lliose
which are more generally cultivated, either as useful or ornamental. The
descriptions arc as extended and minute as appears to the author necessary for
the complete recognition of the ])lants, and for imparting a knowledge of what-
ever is peculiar or interesting in their hahits, culture, or use.
With regard to the sources of information from which this pnrt of the work
has been i)rcpared, it is proper to state, that I have for several years been
engaged in the collection of materials, during which I liave made frequent and
extensive tours with this object in view, in nearly every section of country wliich
this riora represents; and have had access to many extensive collections of
plants, among which I mention with jieculiar pleasure that of Mr. Ahel StokkS,
of Lebanon, N. H. By these means I have been able to draw the description of
about three fourths of the species mentioned in the work from the living or dried
specimen. The remaining descriptions arc compiled from a careful examination
and comparison of the best autliorities within my reach, among which arc the
botanical works of Bigelow, Faton, Wright, Nuttall, Pursh, Smith, ToiTcy (his
Northern Flora), Beck, Loudon, Barton, Michaux, Parlington, Dewey, &c., &c.
To the elaborate and liighly authentic Flora of Drs. Torrey and Gray, I had
no access until after the present Flora had been written : since which time I have
availed myself of their researches in regard to the nomenclature of plants, suc-
cession of the Orders, and recent discoveries. In almost all cases, I have adopted
their generic and specific names, for very obvious reasons. The multitude of
synonyms, by which plants have been heretofore designated, have greatly encum-
bered the science, and are to be regarded as an evil and only an evil. If we
then have a standard work on North American Botany, written by North Ameri-
can authors, as we most cer:ainly have, it is absurd for Inimblcr writers to strive
to perpetuate this useless jargon of names. Beyond Order LXXVJ, to which
only their work as yet extends, I have adopted those names which, in my own
judgment, rest upon the best authority.
There arc two serious evils existing in the treatises in more general use, which
liavc too long checked the diffusion of botanical knowledge. First, the princi-
ples of the science arc reduced to such a degree of simplicity as to sacrifice all
incentive to intellectual effort, save memory alone : and, secondly, the application
of the principles in practical analysis is often involved in such obscurity that no
degree of intellectual effort is of any avail. In the following jiages I have
guarded against both these evils as much as possible. With regard to the latter,
it is hoped that the Analytical Tables will be found of essential sen-ice. The
object aimed at in their construction, is, to exhibit at one view the most striking
characteristics of each group, to which they respectively relate, so arranged as to
conduct the mind from a single radiatins point, to any desired genus described in
the volume. That we have fully realized this plan, or that the t.ables are free
from error, is not to be expected ; yet we do hope that they will aflbrd facilities
for analysis far greater than any system hitherto available.
In t!ic construction of these tables I have received indis]icns.'ible aid from
Dk. Edward E. 1'iieli'S, of Windsor, Vt., Lecturer on Jledical Botany, in
PREFACE. 5
Dartmouth College. I would here gratefully acknowledge, also, the important
assistance and encouragement I have received from him in other departments of
this work.
To the Rev. Professor Dewey, to whom I am permitted to dedicate this
volume, I am indebted for that part of the Flora which relates to the difficult,
yet deeply interesting, fomily of the Cariccs. He has not only granted me access
to his former excellent Monograph on that genus, but has prepared the article
for the present work with his own hand.
The six Primary Classes of the Vegetable Kingdom, adopted in this volume,
diifering somewhat from Torrey and Gray, to whose arrangement I have so gen-
erally adhered in other respects, rest upon the authority of Prof. Dewey, and
others. The Gymnosperms of Lindlcy are made a coordinate class with that of
Exogens, and yet are at the same time acknowledged to be only a subdivision of
it; an arrangement which certainly appears to us illogical.
Finally, that the present work contains many imperfections, no one can be
more fully aware than the author. These it will be his constant care to detect
and amend in future editions, should any appear. Meanwhile, he confidently
relies upon the indulgence of all those who can appreciate the difficulties atten-
dant on a work like this, and humbly hopes that his long and arduous toil will
not prove wholly unproductive of useful results.
Meriden, N. H., June 22, 1 844.
THE GREEK ALPHABET, &C.
Large.
SmalL
Eom. letten.
Names.
Kamerals.
A
a
a
Alpha.
B
^
b
Beta.
1.
ff;, ftoyag.
r
1
g
Gamma.
2.
dvu)^ di;.
J
(5
d
Delta.
3.
TQFtg.
E
e
c
Epsilon.
4.
leaauQFc, Tcrgof
z
?
z
Zcta.
5.
nffie.
II
V
c
Eta.
G.
ii.
o
^d
th
Theta.
I
t
i
Iota.
7.
kara.
K
X
c. (k)
Kappa.
8.
OXTOi.
A
I
1
Lambda.
9.
FfVfa,
M
A*
m
]Mu.
10.
dexu.
N
V
n
Nu.
ti'Sfxa.
11.
^
1
X
Xi.
12.
8u)5fxa.
0
0
5
Omikron.
n
n 3
P
Pi.
20.
flXOUl.
p
Q
r
Rho.
Many, rioAuj.
V
u,S
s
Sigma.
T
T
V
t
y
Tan.
Upsilon.
r
i»
gica! structure — of the filament — connectile — anther — pollen. 72, Theoretical
structure — proof from the transitions of stamens into pistils — examples. 7-3, Cir-
cumstances in which stamens varv — twentv-four Linnean Classes. 74, Number, —
Etymoloffv of the names of the Classes. Class 1st, 2nd, .3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, Sth,
9th, 10th; nth. 2nd, Position, — 12th, 13th. 3d, Relative length, — 14th, 1.5th,
4th, Connection, — iGth, 17th, ISth, 19th, 20th. 5th, Absence, — 21st, 22d, 23d,
aith.
CHAPTER VI. — THE FLOWER.
}3. OF THE PISTIL AND THE ARTIFICIAL ORDERS. — 39.
75, The pistil, its position — structure. 76, Ovary — ovules. 77, Ovary simple —
compound — carpels. 7S, The style — number — connection. 79, Stigma — sim-
ple— compound. SO, Number of stvles, orders founded upon. Order 1st, 2nd, 3rd,
4th, Sth, 6th, 7th, &th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th. i\'&<^, — Orders of the class Didyna-
mia — Tetradynamia — Orders of the IGth, 17th, 18th, 20th, 21st, and 22d classes.
Orders of Syngenesia, Equalis — Superflua — Frustranea — Necessaria — Segre-
gata. Orders of Polygamia, JIona;cia — Dicecia. Orders of the 24th, class. 81,
Ovules. S2, Placenta — structure — direction. 83, Physiological structure — of the
ovary — style — stigma — without epidermis. 84, Tlieoretical structure explained, —
sutnres — ventral — dorsal, — a, illustration, — h, c, illustrations continued. 85, Pro-
positions,— first — second — third — fourth. 86, These propositions when true. S7,
Central placenta, — parietal placenta. SS, Free central placenta, — explanation. —
a, 0\'u]es proved to he analogous to buds. 89, Ovules enclosed — naked,' — a, erect
— ascending — pendulous — suspended. 90, Foramen — primine — secundine — nu-
cleus— a, illustration. 91, Funiculus — chalaza.
«4. OF THE MUTUAL ACTION OF THE STAMENS AND PISTILS. — 44.
92, Their specific ofl^ce — how accomplished, — a. illustrations, — tulip — Kalmia,
&c. 93, Action of pollen upon the stigma — tubes. 94, Molecules — their destina-
tion.
CHAPTER Vn. — THE FLOWER.
§5. OF THE CALYX. — 45.
9.5, Calyx — etymology — color. — 96, Sepals — monosepalous — polysepalotis. —
97, Calyx — inferior — superior, — 98, caducous — deciduous — persistent, — 99, re-
duced — wanting — a. Pappus — pilose — plumose — setose — paleaceous.
§6. OF THE COROLLA. — 46.
100, The corolla — etvmolosv. 101, Petals — polypctalous — monopetalous. 102,
Claw — lamina, — 103, tube — limb, — 104, regular— irregular. 1, Corolla campanu-
late. 2, Infnndibulif'irm. 3, llypocratirifo.rm. 4. Potate. .5, Labiate — ringent —
personate — galea. 105, Forms of pnlypetalons corolhis, — 1, Cruciform. 2, Rosa-
ceous. 3, Liliaceous. 4, Caryophyllaceous. 5, Papilionaceous — vexillum — aire —
carinae. 106, Physiological structure — colors.
ANALYSIS OF SUKJECTS. 9
§7. OF THK NECTARY AND DISK. — 40.
107, Definition, — o, Nectary — labellum — spur, —*, Disk — liypogynous — epi-
gyiious, — c, true character.
§8. OF ESTIVATION. — CO.
lOS, Definition — vernation,- a, illu.stration. 1, ^Estivation valvatc, — 2, Convo-
Inte,- 3, Quincuncial,- 4, Contorted, — 5, Alternate, — G, Vexillary, — 7, hidupli-
catc, — b, Supervolute.
CHArTER VIII. — THE FRUIT.- 51.
10!), Its importance — design, — a, utility, — d,m respect to time — defined. 110,
Analogous to ovary — changes, — a, examples.
§1. OF THE rERJCARP.-52.
Ill, Fruit consists of, — (7, naked seeds. 112, Pericarp defined — cpicarp — sar-
cocarp, — tf, illustration. 11-3, I'liysiology of growth, — 114, of ripening, — a, acidi-
fication,— /), maturitv. 115, Dehiscence — iiidehiscent— valves, — 1, Dehiscence
locnlicidal, — 2, Septicidal,- 3, SeptifVagal, — 4, Sunu-al,- -5, Circuni.scissile. IIG,
Forms of pericarp.— 1 , Capsule, — a, cells — columella. —2, Siliqne. — .3, Silicic. —
4, Legume. — 5, FnlliL-le. — G, Drupe.— 7, Nut— S, Caryopsis. — '.), Achcnium. —
lb. Samara. — 1 1, Pyxis. — 12, 1'ome. — 13, 1'epo. — 14, Beny — strawberry — black-
berry. — 15, Strobile.
CIIAl'TER IX. — THE FRUIT. — 57.
§2. OF THE SEED.
117, The seed defined, — «, its parts, US, integuments — tcs'a — mesospcrm —
cndoplein-a,- ff. Testa, its substance — surface — form — appendages, — A, Coma
distinguished. lliJ, Aril. 120, Hiluni. 121, Seed orthotropmis — anatropous. 122,
Albumen — where most abundant — where wanting. 12:3, Embryo — 124, its
part?, — (7, radicle, — A, plumule — its direction. 12.'), Cotyledon, — «, the number,
&c. 12G, Monocotvlcdons — endogens. 127, Dicotyledons — c.xogens distiu
guishcd. 12S, Cotyledons many — none. 12'J, Kmbryo.^, number of. — Spores
§3. OF GERMINATION. — GO.
130, The embrvo, its importance, — a, germination defined, — 1.31, tlie process ex ■
plained. 1-32, 'Ihe cotvledons. 1.33, Conditions of perminatinn, — », heat — 6,
•water— r, o.Kygen — f/, darkness. 1.34, Duration of the vitality of seeds. Note,
Two examples of.
H- OF DISSEMINATION.— GI.
1.3.5, Remark — examples, Krigcron — a, Wings, hooks — /5, Impatiens — Streams
and oceans — Squirrels, birds.
CHAPTER X. — THE ROOT. — 02.
13G, Its definition— origin, — c, divisions. 1.37, Prone direction, — ff, horizontal
direction. 13S, Number and extent. 139, How distingnished from stems. 140, Ex-
ceptions— adventitious buds — subterranean stems. 141, Collnm — a, statioiun-y.
142, Parts of the root, — ct, caudcx — b, fibres — f, spongioles. 143, Forms of roots.
144, Ramose — a, analojrous to branchei? — illustration, — A, further illustration, —
c, extent of roots. 145,'Fusiform root — forked — tap root — jiremorse — napifonu.
14tj, Fibrous,- a, fascirnlatcd. 147, Tuberous —ct, palmare — i6, granulated. 148,
Use of fleshy roots. 149, Floating root. 150, Ki>iphytes — parasites.
PHYSIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ROOT. — GG
1.51, Internal structure. 1-32, Fibrils, structure — function. 15.3, Growjtji of root.
1.54, Its most obvious function — most impor'anl one — a, illustration. 155, Activity
of absori)tion dependent on. 1.5G, Part which absorbs, &.c.—a, illustration, — 3,
transplanting. 157, Force of absorption, — a, illustration. 1.5S, Can=e of absorp-
tion— not capillarv .attraction, — a, experiment in philosophy — exosmosc — endos-
mose. 1-59, Requisite conditions, — ff, how they exist in the root, — application.
IGO, Use of absorption, — o, power of choice — illustration.
10 CONTENTS AND
CELA.PTER XI. — THE STEM, OR ASCENDING AXIS. — 69.
161, Definition, — a, cause of its ascent. 162, Direction horizontal — erect — pro-
cumbent— ascending — subterranenn. 103, Annual — perennial. 164, Distinction
in regard to size, &c. — «, tree — i, shrub — c, herb. 10.5, Most distinctive property
of stem. 106, Buds. 167, Leaf-bud. 108, The scalj envelopes, a. Scales not
-formed in hot climates, &c. — their design. 169, Bud terminal, develop* a simple
axis, — a, axillary, developes branches, — i, adventitious. 170, Branch. 171,
Thorn, — a, its nature, &c. — b, distinguished from prickles. 172, Node — inter-
node, — c, how formed — why the axis diminishes upwards. 173, Arrangement of
branches, — 174, spiral, — a, modifications — circular, how caused. 175, Alter-
jiate — opposite — whorled. 176, Same of the branches. — a, Two classes of stems.
477, Subterranean — stemless plants — varieties. 17S, Bulb, — o, tunicated —
scaly, — 1^, how renewed, — c, bulblets. 179, Corm. ISO, Tuber. ISl, Rhizoma.
182," Creeper, — a, repent stems, their use. 183, Varieties of aerial stems. 184,
Caulis. 185, Runner. 186, Scape, — o, culm. 187, Vine — o, tendril. 168, Twin-
■ inc stems — tlieir direction. 189, Ti'unk — a, its dimensions. Note, Illustrations,
■b, its duration. Note, Illustrations. 190, Sucker. 191, Offset. 192, Stolon. 193,
^Plurality of trunks — a, Banyan — Mangrove.
§1- PHYSIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF THE EXOGENOUS STEM. — 77.
194, Structure of herbaceous stems — 195, of the first year's growth of perennial
'stems, — a, basis of the distinction of Exogens and Endogens. 190, Exogens. 197,
Endogens. 198, Parts of the exogenous structure. 199, Pith. 200, Medullary
sheath. 201, Wood — number of layers. 202, Layer consists of, — a, arrangement
of its parts. 203, Alburnum — duramen. 204, Medullary rays. 205, Bark, — its
parts. — 206, its structure — cork — liber. 207, New layer, how formed, — a, outer
layers, why shaggy — horizontal fibres, — 5, qualities resident in, — c, its peculiar
ve'ssels.
§2. FUNCTIONS OF THE STEM. — 80.
208, Conveyance of sap, — 209, through what portion — its course — elabora-
tion — descent.
§3. OF THE ENDOGENOUS STRUCTURE. — SL
210, Its peculiarity. 211, Composition. 212, Each bundle consists of, — o, mode
of increase.
CHAPTER XIL — THE LEAF.— 82.
213, Its importance — character. 214, How distinguished. 215, Color — autum-
nal hues, — a, due to what — chlorophyll — changes, — Z., color of flowers.
§1. VERNATION. — 82.
■ 216, Meaning of the term — leaf-bud how compacted,- o, illustration. 217,
Forms of vernation, — 1, Equitant — 2, Obvolute — 3, Involute — 4, Revolute — 5,
Convolute — 6, Plaited — 7, Circinate.
§2. ARRANGEMENT.— 83.
218, In the bnd — after the axis is developed, — 1, Scattered — 2, Altemate— 3.
Opposite — 4, Verticilhite — 5, Fasciculate. 219, How these forms may be reconciled
with the spiral, — a, illu.stration, — h, Alternate explained, — c, Opposite or whorled
explained. 220, Leaves radical — cauline — ramial.
§3. ORGANOGRAPHY. — SI.
221, Nature of the leaf— lamina — sessile — petiolate. 222, Petiole — its form —
1, Compressed — 2, Winged— 3, Amplexicaul. 223, General form of the lamina-
base — apex. 224, Leaf simple — compoimd. 225, Physiologv. 226, Venation —
its organs. 227. Midrib — nerves. 228, Veins — veinlets. 229, Modes of venation.
1 , Re'.icnlate — 2, Parallel — 3, Forked. 230, Varieties of reticulate venation, — 1,
Fcuther-veined — 2, Radiate-veined — 3, Varieties of parallel venation.
H- FORM OR FIGURE. — 86.
231. Theory of— form dependent on venation. 232, Forms resulting from the
ANALYSIS OF SUBJECTS. II
feather venation — 1, Orbicular — 2, Elliptic — 3, Oblong — 4, Ovate — 5, Lanceo-
late— 6, Obovate — 7, Spathulate — 8, Cordate — 9, Auriculate — 10, Hastate — 11,
Sagittate — 12, Reniform — a, Forms dependent on the (levelopment of the tissue — ■
13, Runcinate — 14, Lyrate — 15, Pinnatifid — 10, Sinuate. 233, Forms resulting
from radiate venation — 17, Palmate — IS, Digitate — 19, Pedate — 20, Lacinate —
21, Peltate — 22, Reniform, &c. 234, Forms of parallel-veined leaves — 23, Linear —
24, Oval, &c. — 25, Cordate — 26, Acerose.
§5. MARGIN. -90.
235, How modified — 1, Entire — 2, Dentate — 3, Serrate — 4, Crenate — 5, Erose
— 6, Undulate — 7, Spinous — S, Licised — 9, Laciniate — 10, Crisped — 11, Repand.
§6. APEX. — 90.
2.36, Termination of leaf — 1, Acute — 2, Obtuse — 3, Acuminate — 4, Emargin-
ate — 5, Eetuse — 6, Mucronate.
}7. SURFACE —90.
237, Terms descriptive of the epidermis on the leaf or elsewhere — 1, Glabrous —
2, Pubescent — 3, Rough — 4, Pilose — 5, Hoary — 6, Villose — 7, WooUy — S, To-
mentose — 9, Rugose — 10, Punctate.
§8. COMPOUND LEAVES. — 91.
238, Leaf becomes compound on what principle. 239, Leaflets — articulated.
240, Forms resulting from the feather-veined arrangement — 1, Pinnate — 2, Equally
pinnate — unequally — cirrhose — 3, interruptedly — 4, Number of leaflets — tri-
foliate— single — 5^ bipinnate — 6, tripinnate — 7, biternate — S, triternate. 241,
Forms resulting from radiate venation — 9, Quinate — 10, Septinate. 242, Leaf
with regard to insertion — 1, Amplexicaul — 2, Perfoliate — 3, Decurrent — 4, Con-
nate. 243, Combined terms, — a, the preposition siib.
§9. ASCIDIA, STIPULES, AND BRACTS. — 93.
244, Leaves of Teazel — Tillandsia — Arum. 245, Ascidia, — a, of the Sarracenia,
how formed, &c. 246, Nepenthes. 247, Dischidia. 248, Diontea. 249, Stipules,—
varieties — positions. 2.'50, Their nature. 251, Leaves stipulate — exstipulate —
stipels. 252, Bracts, — 2.5-3, their nature. 2.54, Involucre — involucel, — 20.5, of the
Compositae. 256, Glume — awn — palce — valves.
§10. DURATION.— 96.
257, Leaves temporary — 1, Fugacious — 2, Deciduous — 3, Persistent. 25S, Fall
of the leaf — previous changes. 259, Cause of defoliation.
§11. PHYSIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE. — 96.
260, Of the frame-work, — o, of the lamina. 261, Parenchyma disposed in two.
layers, — a, how covered. 262, Liternal stiiicture of the parenchyma. 263, Ar-
rangement of the cells, — a, chlorophyll. 264, Stomata communicate with what —
found on which surface. 265, Vessels of the latex — their course. 266, Leaf of
Oleander — air cells.
§12. OF THE FUNCTIONS OF LEAVES.— 9S.
267, Enumerated — result — latex. 268, Crude sap consists of. 269, Exhal.a-
tion — 270, distinguished from evaporation — 271, takes place through the stoma-
ta—occurs only' in the light — why — a, illustration. 272, Exhalation dependent,
on absorption — quantity — illustration. 273, Absorption, — a, illustration. — 274,.
by their lower surface — illustration. 275, Respiration — 276, consists in — 277,
constant — the result — 278, illustration — 279, two periods of its greatest activity —
tt, in germination, — i, flowering — proportion of oxygen evolved. — Note, illustra-
tion.—280, Life of the plant dependent on. 281, "Digestion — the process. 2S2,
Carbon — its sources, — o, illustration. — Plants blanched in the dark. 283, Fixation
of carbon — relative amount absorbed and evolved. — Experiments of Dr. Daubeny-
284, Relation of animal to vegetable kingdom in regard to cai-bon — Reflections.
12 CONTENTS AND ANALYSIS OF SUBJECTS.
CHAPTER XIII. — IKFLORESCENCE.— 102.
2S5, Definition. aSG, Position, — a, exception?. 2S7, Pcdnticlc — flower sessile.
28S. Peiiui cle simple — brimciicd — I'edieel. 2s'J, Scijie. 2ii0, liiicliis. 20], Inflo-
rescence solif:n-y, — 292, centrifiip;;il — centripetal, resulting from wlnit. 2'J.i, Cen-
tripetal,— 294, "centrifugal, — «, liow indicateii — all tlie flowers terminal, why.
295, Both modes combined — examples. 29(i, Varieties of centripetal inflorescence.
297, Si)ike — 20S, Raceme — 299, Ament — .-^00, Spndix — 301, Corymb — 302, i
Umbel — 303, Heail — a, of the Compositai — com])onnd flowers — 304, Panicle — 305,
Thyrsc — ff, Comjiound umLel — Umlellet — Compound raceme, &c. 30G, Varie-
ties of centrifugal inflorescence, — 307. Cyme — «, its normal structure and devel-
opment— 1^, inference, — SOS, Fascicle — 309, Verticilluster. — o, Peduncle coa-
verted into a tendril.
CIIArXER XIV. — SYSTEMATIC BOTANY.— 107.
5 I. OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS.
310, Systematic Botany defined. 31 1, Pcmarks on the extent of the field of
botanic research. 312, Folly of studying individnals only. 313, Individuals grouped
into species, — , illustrations — clover — [line 314, S|iecies grouped into genera, —
illustration. 31.5, Genera resolved into orders and classes. 310, Two methods of
classifying the genera, — artificial — its basis, — natural — basis. — 317, comparative
merits" of the two — use of the artificial. 31S, Value of the natural — obscurities
now removed. 319, Remaining difficulties — artificial method how and why re-
taiued in this work. 320, Artificial arrangement consists of.
CHAPTER XV.
§2. OF THE NATURAL SYSTEM. — 1C9.
321, Its aim, — 322, distinguished from the Artificial — what characters em-
ployed,— 323, advantages, — 324, yet to be fully consumnnited — some artificial
ch.aracters yet necessary. 325, The first two grimd divisions — Phrcnogamia — its
characters,"— Cry ptogainia — i*s characters, — .320, uncertainty of these characters,
sipprc ximation of groups. 327, Sporogens. ■32&. Subdivisions of Ph.Tiogamia —
J^xogens — characters — Endogens — characters. 329, Classes, six. Kxogens di-
vided into two — Angiosperms, characters — Gymnosperms, characters. 330, En-
dogens divided into two — Aglumaceous, characters — Glumaceou--, characters.
331, Crv))toQ:'uiiia divided into two — Acrogens, characters — Thallogens, charac-
ters. 332, Affinities of these classes. 334, Sub-classes— Polypetala', characters —
Monopetalrc, characters — AfietaL-p, characters. 335, Orders, — 330, how formed.
337, Alliances, groups, &c. 338, Extent of the orders. 339, Summary.
CHAPTER XVI.— 114.
§1. NOMENCLATURE.
.340, Names of the orders Latin adjectives — derivation, — a, exceptioni5. 341,
Etymology of generic names. 342, Of specific names, — 343, derivation — rules.
§2. BOTANICAL ANALYSIS. — 114.
344, Defined. 345, Proper state of i)lants for this, — .340, importance of it. 347,
Process. 348, Process with the learner. — Analytical tables.
§3. OF COLLECTING AND PRESERViNG PLANTS. — 115.
349, Importance of it, — a, hortus siccus. S-'JO, Apparatus. 351, Directions for
gathering. — 3-52, pressing, — -353, changing. .354. Arrangement of the specimens.
355, Genera arranged — how preserved. " 35G, Fruit, seeds, and wood, how pro-
eerved.
BOTANY.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
1. Botany is the science wliicli treats of the Vegetable
Kingdom. It inchidcs the knowledge of the habits, structure,
and uses of plants, together with their nomenclature and classi-
fication.
2. Like its kindred sciences, it is resolved into distinct depart-
ments, according to the nature of the subjects to which it relates.
That part which investigates the organic structure of vegetables,
is called Organography, corresponding to Anatomy, in the
science of Zoology.
3. That part of botany which relates to the phenomena of the
vital functions of plants, is called Vegetable Physiology ; in-
cluding the consideration of their germination, growth, and
reproduction. It has, therefore, a direct and practical bearing
upon the labors of husbandry, in the propagation and culture of
plants, both in the garden and in the field.
4. Another department, of essential importance, is Gloss-
ology, wliich relates to the explanation and application of
botanical terms, whether nouns or adjectives, by which the
organs of plants, with their numerous modifications, are desig-
nated.
5. A fourth department, called Systematic Botany, arises
from the consideration of plants, in relation to each other, their
mutual affinities, and their endless diversities, whereby the
100,000 species, supposed to exist, may be an-anged, classified,
and designated, by distinctive characters and names.
2
14 INTEODUCTION.
6. Finally, in its extended sense, Botany comprehends, also,
the knowledge of the relations of plants to the other depart-
ments of nature, particularly to mankind. The ultimate aim of
its researches is, the development of the boundless resources
of the vegetable kmgdom for our sustenance, protection, and
enjoyment; for the healing of our diseases, and the alleviation
of our wants and woes.
7. This extensive department of Natural History, therefore,
justly claims a large share of the attention of every individual,
not only on account of the aid it affords to horticulture, to the
employments of rural life, and to the healing art, but also for the
intellectual and moral culture, wliich, among other kindred
sciences, it is capable of imparting in an eminent degi-ee.
a. No science more effectually combines pleasure Avith improvement, than
Botany. It conducts the student into the fields and forests, amidst the verdure
of spring, and the bloom of summer; — to the channing retreats of Nature, in
her wild luxuriance, or where she patiently smiles under the improving hand
of cultivation. It furnishes him with vigorous exercise, both of body and mind,
which is no less salutaiy than agreeable, and its subjects of investigation are all
such as are adapted to please the eye, refine the taste, and improve the heart.
8. The natural world, by distinctions sufficiently obvious, is
divided into three great departments, commonly called the
Mineral, Vegetable, and Animal Kingdoms.
a. Vegetables, or plants, hold an intermediate position bet^veen animals and
minerals: while they are wanting in both the intelligence and instinct of the
former, they are endowed with a physical organization, and a living principle,
whereby they are remarkably distinguished above the latter ; they constitute the
ultimate nourislunent and support of the one, the vesture and ornament of the
other.
9. A mineral is an inorganic mass of matter, that is, without
distinction of parts or organs. A stone, for example, may be
broken into any number of fragments, each of which will retain
all the essential characters of the original body, so that each
fragment will still be a stone.
10. A playit is an organized body, endowed with \dtality but
not with sensation, composed of distinct parts, each of wliich is
essential to the completeness of its being. A geranium is com-
posed of organs, winch may be separated or subdivided indefi-
THE DIFFUSION OF VEGETATION. 15
nitely, but no one of the fragments, alone, will still be a complete
plant.
11. Animals, like plants, are organized bodies, endowed with
vitality, and composed of distinct parts, no one of which is com-
plete in itself; but they are raised above either plants or min-
erals, by the power of perception.
a. These distinctions, long since suggested by the immortal Linnteus, are per-
fectly obvious and definite, in the higher grades of the animal and vegetable
kingdoms ; but, in descending the scale, we recognize a gradual and constant
approach, in both, to inorganic matter, and consequently to each other : so that,
in the lowest forms of life, all traces of organization disappear, and the three great
kingdoms of nature, like three converging radii, meet, and blend in a common
centre.
12. Vegetation, m some of its forms, appears to be coexten-
sive with the surface of the earth. It springs up, not only from
the sunny soil, moistened with rain and dew, but even from the
naked rock, amidst the arid sands of the desert, in thermal and
sulphurous sprurgs, in arctic and alpine snows, and from the beds
of seas and oceans.
a. Among the multitude of natural causes which affect the growth of vegeta-
tion, the action of the sun, through the light and heat which it impart?, is the most
efficient. This is most powerful at the equator, and gradually diminislies in in-
tensity, as we proceed from thence towards either pole. Vegetation, therefore,
arrives at its highest degree of luxuriance at the equator, and within the tropics.
In the temperate zones it is less remarkable for the beauty and variety of its
flowers, and the deliciousness of its fraits, than in the torrid ; yet it is believed to
be no less adapted to promote the arts of civilized life, and the well-being of man
in general. In still higher latitudes, plants become f^w, and of stinted growth,
until finally, within the arctic cncles, they apparently, but not absolutely, cease
to regetate.
b. Since climate is affected by elevation above the level of die sea, in the same
manner as by increase of latitude, we find a similar diminution of vegetable
activity, in ascending high mountains. Thus, the peak of Teneriffe, situated on
a fertile island, \vithin the tropics, is clothed, at different elevations, with plants
peculiar to every latitude, in succession, from the torrid to the frigid zones,
while the summit, being always covered with snow, is as barren as the region of
the poles. So also the White Mountains, in New Hampshire, exhibit upon their
summits a vegetation similar to that of Labrador, or even Greenland.
c. One of the first requisites for the gro-ivth of plants, is a soil, from Avhich, by
means of roots, they may derive their proper nutriment and support. But numer-
ous species of lichens and mosses find their most congenial habitations upon the
bare rock. The coral island no sooner arises to tlie surface, than it airests the
16 INTRODUCTION.
floating germs of vegetation, -niiich soon clothe the rough rock with verdure of a
humbler kind, and ultimately, by the growth and decay of successive generations,
form a soil for tlie sustenance of the higher fonns of vegetable life.
d. Another important requisite is moisture. But the arid sands of the great
African desert are not absolutely destitute of vegetable life. Even there, certain
species of Stapelia are said to flourish, and those drcaiy regions, where neither rain
nor dew ever falls, ai-e occasionally enlivened by spots of verdui'e, like islands in
the ocean.
c. Extremes of heat ai-e not always fatal to vegetation. In one of the Geyscii's
of Iceland, which was hot enough to boil an egg in four minutes, a species of
Chara has been found, in a gro'^ving and fniitful state. A hot spring at the
Island of Luzon, which raises the thermometer to 187°, has plants growing in it
and on its borders. But the most extraordinary case of all, is one recorded by
Sir J. Staunton. ' At the Island of Amsterdam a spring was found, the mud of
which, far hotter than boiling water, gave birth to a species of liverwort.' Other
sunilar instances are on record.
/ Nor are the exti-emes of cold fatal to eveiy fonn of vegetation. The rein-
deer lichen, of Lapland, grows in vast quantities beneath almost perpetual snows.
And far in the arctic regions, the eternal snows are often reddened, for miles in
extent, by a minute vegetable of the Algte tribe, called red snow, of a sh-ucture
the simplest that has yet been observed, consisting of a single round cell contain-,
ing a fluid.
g. Light is also a highly important agent in vegetation ; yet there are plants
capable of flourisliing in situations where it would seem that no ray of it ever
entei'cd. Mushrooms, and even plants of higher orders, have been found growing
amidst the perpetual midnight of deep caverns and mines. Sea weeds of a bright
green color have been drawn up from the bed of the ocean, from depths of more
than 100 fathoms.
13. The vogotablc kingxlom is no less remarkable for its rich
and boimcUess variety, than for its wide difTusion. Plants diiler
from each other in respect to form, size, color, habits, structure,
and properties, to an unlimited degree, so that it would be diffi-
cult, indeed, to find two individuals, even of the same species,
which should perfectly coincide in all these points.
fl. Yet this variety is never abrupt, never capricious; but here, as in other
departments of nature, uniform resemblances are so blended with it, as to lay an
adeq^iate foundation for Systematic Botany.
14. The same causes which affect the general increase of
)ilants, exercise, also, an important influence in determining their
diaracter. Hence, every climate has not only its own 2^^culiar
degree of vegetable actiA-ity, but also i{s pecidiar species.
a. Other causes, besides temperature, are efficient in determinuig the species of
GERMINATION. 17
aay given locality, such as the qualities of the soil, the degree of moisture both of
the earth and skies, the inclLnation of surface, rocks, shatles, and winds, the com-
bined action of which often becomes an exceedingly complicated matter. Now
to each of these innumerable combinations of circumstances, the Creator has
adapted the constitution of certain species of plants, so that each given locality
may be expected to produce its owa. appropriate kinds. But since some species
are also endowed with the power of accommodating themselves to a wide range
of circumstances, these are found more extensively diffused, while others, without
this power, arc comparatively rare.
15. Vegetation is susceptible of important changes by culti-
vation. Many plants are improved, in every desirable quality,'
by accommodating themselves to the conditions of soils enriched
and enlivened by art. Examples are seen in almost every cul-
tivated species.
16. The cabbage, in its wild state, is a slender, branching herb, with no appear-
aace of a head. The potatoe, in its native wilds of tropical America, is a rank,
running vine, with scarcely a tuber upon its roots. Ail the ricli and delicate
varieties of the apple have sprung, by artificial means, from the sour crab of
Siberia. The numerous and splendid varieties of the Dahlia are the descendants
of a coai-se Mexican plant, with an ordinaiy yellow flower, of a single ckcle of
colored leaves. The tuhp and the gcranimn atFord similar examples.
17. Changes, not only in the qualities of vegetation, are ef-
fected by culture, but also in the species themselves, through the
substitution of the useful or the ornamental for the native pro-
ducts of the soil. Thus, in agricultural districts, almost the
whole face of nature is transformed, by human skill and industry,
from the A\T.ldemess to the fruitful field.
a. Hence it appears that there is scarcely a spot on earth which Is not caused,
by the quickening energy of the Creator, to teem with vegetable existence, in some
of its numberless forms, while his goodness is coaspicuous in rendering those
tribes which are most subservient to the wants of man capable of the widest dif-
fusion.
2*
13 PLAN OF VEGETATION.
CHAPTER II.
PL^\^" OF VEGETATION. — ELEMENTAllY OKGANS.
IS. The earliest and simplest state of the plant is an embryo
contained in a seed. Tliis consists essentially of two parts, the
radicle and 2^hi-7nuh ; the former about to be developed into the
root, the latter into the ascending plant with its appendages.
19. As soon as the process of germination commences, the
radicle begins to extend itself downwards in the direction of the
earth's centre, constantly avoiding the air and the light, forming
the descending axis, or root. The plumule, taking the opposite
dii-ection, extends itself upwards, always seeldng the light, and
expanding itself, to the utmost extent of its power, to the influ-
ence of the atmosphere. This constitutes the ascending axis, or
trunk, around wliich the leaves and their modifications are
arranged.
20. At the commencement of its gi-owth, the ascending axis
is merely a hud, that is, a groiving point, enveloped in ruchmen-
tary leaves, or scales, for its protection. As this growing point
advances, the enveloping scales expand into leaves below, wliile
new ones are constantly appearing, in succession, above. Thus
the axis is always terminated by a bud.
21. By this process the axis is elongated, simply in one direc-
tion. But, besides this, there is also a bud (or buds), either
visible, or in a rudimentary state, formed in the axil of each
leaf.
a. These axillary buds are generally visible, either before or after tlie leaf has
fallen. In some plants, however, they seldom appear; but their existenee is
inferred from the faet, tliat even in such cases, they are occasionally developed in
extraordinary circumstances.
22. Each bud is a distinct individual, capable of an independ-
ent existence, in favorable circumstances, although severed from
the parent stock.
a. The common practice of propagation by layers, offsets, engrafting, and
budding, is both a result and a proof of this principle. A plant may be, and
FORMATION OF THE FLOWER. 19
often is, in this manner, multiplied indefinitely, by the dissevered parts of itself,
as well as by the seed.
23. But, remaining connected with the parent stock, axillaiy
buds, a part or all of them, accordmg to cu-cumstances, are de-
veloped into branches, each of which may again generate buds
and branchlets in the axils of its own leaves, hi the same
manner.
a. Thus, by the repetition of this simple process, the vegetable fabric is reared
from the earth, a compound being, fonned of as many united individuals as there
are buds, and as many buds as there are branches and leaves, ever advancing in
the du-ection of the growing points, by the deposition of matter derived from the
cellular tissue, clothing itself with leaves as it advances, and enlarging the diam-
eter of its axis by the deposition of matter elaborated by, and descending from,
the leaves akeady developed, until it reaches the Umits of the existence assigned
it by its Crditor.
b. But the plant, reared by this process alone, would consist only of those pai-ts
requisite to its own individual existence, without reference to the continuance of
its species beyond its own dissolution. It would be simply an axis, expanded
into branches and leaves. But the Divine command, wliich first caused the tribes
of vegetation, in their diversified beauty, to spring from the earth, required tliat
each plant should have its ' seed within itself,' for the pei-petuation of its kind.
24. At certain periods of its vegetation, therefore, a change is
observed to occur ui the plant, in regard to the development of
some of its buds. From the diminished or altered supply of
sap, received from the vessels below, the growing point ceases
to lengthen in the direction of the axis, but expands its leaves
in crowded and concentric whorls ; each successive whorl, pro-
ceeding from the outer to the inner, undergoing a gradual trans-
formation from the original type (a leaf), according to the
purpose it is destined to fulfil in the production of the seed.
Thus, mstead of a leafy branch, the ordmary progeny of a bud,
a flower is the result.
25. A flower may, therefore, be considered as a transfomied
branch, having the leaves crowded together by the non-devel-
opment of the axis, and moulded into more delicate structures,
and tinged with more briUiant hues, not only to adorn and
beautify the face of nature, but to fulfil the important office of
reproduction.
a. In tlie common peony, for example, as the leaves approach the summit of
the stem, they gi-adually lose their characteristic divisions, and, at Icngtli, just
20 PLAN OF VEGETATION.
below the flower, become simple bracts, still retaining every essential mark of a
leaf. Next, by an easy gradation, they appear in the sepals of the calyx, the outer
envelope of the flower, still essentially tlie same. Then, by a transition rather
more abrupt, they pass into the delicate and highly colored petals of the corolla,
retaining still the form and organization of the leaf. To the petals next succeed
those slender organs called stamens, known to be undeveloped leaves from the
fact of their being often converted into petals. Lastly, those two ccnti-al organs,
termed pistils, are each the result of the infolding of a leaf, the midrib and the
imited edges being yet discernible.
26. "V^Tien tlie flower has accomplished its brief but unpor-
taut office in reproduction, its deciduous parts fall away, and
the remaining energies of the plant are directed to the devel-
opment of the germ into the perfect fruit. Tliis being accom-
plished, the whole plant speedily perishes, if it be an annual,
or, if not, it continues to put forth new branches, fr6m other
growing points, which, in their turn, are to be terminated by-
flowers and fntit the following year.
a. Such is a very brief outline of the plan of vegetation, or the process of nature
in the germination, growth, fx-uctification, and decay of plants. And it is impos-
sible to contemplate it, without admiring that simplicity of design in the midst of
the most diversified results which every where characterizes the works of God.
Every part of the vegetable fabric may be ultimately traced to one elementary
organic form, of which the leaf is tlie tj-pe. The lamina, or blade, in various
stages of transition, constitutes the several organs of fmctification, while the
united bases of all the leaves constitute the axis itself.
27. When we more minutely examine the internal organization of plants, we
find their diiferent parts, however various in appearance, all constnicted of the
same materials. The leaf, for example, consists of a foot-stalk prolonged into a
framework of veins, a Jleshy substance filling up the interstices, and a ciUicle, or
skin, covering the whole. Now this framework is composed of woody fibre, aque-
ducts, and air-ifesseh, all of which may be traced through the foot-stalk into the
stem, where they equally exist, — this part of the leaf being only a prolongation
of the stem. The fleshy substance is of the same nature with the pith of the
stem, or the pulp of the fruit ; and, finally, the cuticle corresponds exactly to the
thin covering of the newly formed branches, of the various parts of the flower,
and even of the roots.
a. These several kinds of structure, of which the various
organs are composed, are called the elementary tissues. They
are five in number ; — cellular tissue, woodij tissue, vasi/orm tissue,
vascular tissue, and laticifcrous tissue.
28. The chemical basis of the vegetable tissues is proved by
CELLULAR TISSUE. 21
analysis to be oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon, witli an occasional .
addition of nitrogen, the same simple elements as, by their
varied combinations, constitnte the ah, water, and most anmial
snbstances. The organic basis is simple membrane and fibre.
Of one, or both, of these two forms, all the tissues are con-
structed.
a. If the fleshy portion of the leaf above mentioned, or the pulp of the fniit he
closely examined, they A^iil be found composed of numerous vesicles of extreme
minuteness, adliering together. These vesicles, or bladders, consist of a delicate
membrane enclosing a fluid, such as is seen on a large scale in the pulp of an
orange. Now this membrane, composing the walls of the ccUs or vesicles, is one
of the elementary forms of vegetable tissue. Again, if the stalls of a strawbeny or
geranium leaf be cut around but not through, and the two parts be thus pulled
asunder for a short space, a number of glistening fibres -will be seen running from
one portion to the other. Under a microscope these appear to be spii'al coils, par-
tially straitened by being thus dl•a^vn out from the membranous tubes in which
they were lying coiled up. Thus are we able to distingiush the elemcntaiy mem-
brane and fihre.^ of wlaich the various fonns of vegetable tissue are composed.
29. Cellular tissue is so called, from its bemg composed
of separate cells, or vesicles, adheiiiig together. TMs khid of
tissue is the most common, no plant being mthout it, and many
being entirely composed of it. The form of the httle cells
wliieh compose it, appears to be, at first globular or egg-shaped,
1 ut afterwards, being flattened at their sides, by their mutual
pressure, they become cubical, as in the, pith, or twelve-sided,
the cross-section being six-sided; each cell assuming a form
more or less regular, according to the degi-ee of pressure exerted
upon it by those adjacent. It is also called parenchyma.
a. The cuttings of the pith of elder, or those of any kind of Avood, will, under
a microscope, exhibit u-regular cells and partitions, rcsembliag those of a honey-
comb. (Fig. 1, a.)
b. The vesicles of cellular tissue have no visible communications with each
other, but transmit their fluids by imdsible pores.
c. Cellular tissue is transparent and colorless in itself, but exhibits the biilliant
liucs of the corolla, or the rich green of the leaf, from the coloring matter con-
tained within the cells.
d. The vesicles of tliis tissue are extremely vaiiable in size. They are usually
about ^(j of an inch in diameter, but are found of all sizes, from air to tj ar^^
of an inch.
e. Although this tissue is usually soft and spongy, it sometimes acquires con-
siderable hardness by the deposition of solid instead of fluid matter in the cells.
22
ELEMENTARY ORGANS.
This occurs in the prickles of the rose, the stones of the plum, peach, &c., and in
the albumen of seeds.
/. In some plants, as in the Turkey rhubarb, &c., little bundles of crystals
called rapkides (from Rafn, the name of the discoverer,) are formed in the cells.
'kJLA
&m
/ e d c b
FIG. 1. — Forms of tissue; a, cutting of elder pith — cellular; t, cells from the gritty centre
of the pear; c, from the stone of the plum — both strengthened by solid matter; rf, woody
fibre ; e, spiral vessel with a single fibre partly drawn out ; /, vessel with a quadruple fibre.
30. Woody tissue, called also fibre, consists of slender,
transparent, membranous tubes, tapering to a point each way,
and adhering together by their sides, the end of one tube ex-
tending beyond that of another, so as to fonn continuous threads.
It differs from cellular tissue, in the greater sti-ength, and, at the
same time, the greater tenuity, of its membrane. It seems de-
signed for the transmission of fluid, as well as for giving firm-
ness to those parts wliich need support. (Fig. 1, d.)
a. Tissue of this form constitutes the fibre of flax, hemp, &c., tlie ligneous sub-
stance of the stems and roots, the petioles, and veins of leaves, &c.
31. The most remarkable modification of the woody fibre, is
that called glandular. It consists of little glandular points, ar-
ranged along the walls of the woody tubes. It occurs only in
resinous wood, cliiefly of the fir tribe (Coniferce). It has fre-
quently been detected by the microscope, in fragments of fossil
coal, whence it is inferred that coal-beds originated from buried
forests of the Coniferse. ^
32. Vasiform tissue consists of large tubes, called dotted
ducts, having nimierous little pits, sunk in the thickness of its
DUCTS.
23
lining. When viewed by transmitted light, it appears as if
riddled full of holes.
a. It is of two kinds ; 1st, articulated, having its tubes interrupted by joints and
partitions, as in the oak, vine, and in the monocotyledonous stems ; 2d, continuous,
without joints or partitions ; often found in the roots of plants.
b. These arc the largest vessels in the vegetable fabric ; and their open mouths
are particularly discernible in the cuttings of the oak, cane, &c. It is through
these that the sap arises to the stem, and is conveyed to the leaves.
33. Vascular tissue consists essentially of spiral vessels, with
their modifications.
a. The tme spiral vessel much resembles the woody fibre in
forai, being a long, slender tube, tapering each way, but is thin-
ner and weaker. Its peculiar mark is an elastic, spiral fibre,
coiled up witliin it, from end to end.
b. The spiral tliread is usually single, sometimes double, triple, &c In the
Chinese pitcher j^lant, it is quadruple. (Fig. !,/•)
c. In size, spiral vessels are variable. Generally their diameter is about -j^'^^
of an inch ; often not more than -juVTr-
d. The situation of spiral vessels is in the medullary sheath, that is, just around
the pith ; also in every part which originates from it, such as tlie veins of leaves,
petals, and other modifications of leaves, and especially in the petioles, from
which it may be uncoiled, in the manner above described. (28, a.)
e. In their perfect state they contain air, which they transmit, in some way,
from one to another.
f. Duds are membranous tubes, with conical or rounded ex-
tremities, their sides being marked "wath transverse bars, rings,
or coils, incapable of being unrolled without breaking.
•J
n
3i f
3 r
^ §
^^
1
s
s
1,1
FIG. 2. — Fonns of tissue, &c. ; a, annular ducts; 6, spiral and annular at intervals; e,
laticiferous tissue ; f, storaata of iris — vertical section, d, rf, green cells at the orifice ;/, /,
cells of the parenchyma, e, air-chamber ; g-, g-, view of epidermis and stomaia of >Ttcx;a, h,
stomata closed ; small, luminous bodies in the cells.
24 ELEMENTARY ORGANS.
g. In tliis modification of spii-al vessels tlic tube is much lengthened, and the
coil within it is either dosed, that is, will not unroll, as in the ferns : or it is anmi-
lar, that is, hrokeu into distinct rings, as in the garden balsam ; or it is rdiculatcd,
that is, branching, the branches crossing so as to form a net-work. The office of
all these ducts is the same, — that of conveying fluid. It is only in the spiral
vessel that we find air. (Fig. 2, a, b.)
34. Laticiferous tiss.ue is so called, from latex, tlie tnie
nutritious sap, which it is destined to elaborate and convey. It
consists of branched anastomosing (ava, to and fro, cnofm, a pas-
sage) tubes, lying cliiefly in the bark, and the under side of
leaves. (Fig. 2, c.)
a. These tubes are very iiTegular in form, direction, and position. They
expand and contract at intervals, cross and recross the otlier tissues, and, proceed-
ing from the inner parts, ramify xipon the outer surface, and upon the hairs,
forming meshes of inconceivable fineness. Their average diameter is about
TlVu of an inch. They are largest in plants which have a milky latex, or juice.
35. The EPIDERMIS, or sldn, is a form of cellular tissue exter-
nally enveloping the plant. It is found upon every part exposed
to the ah, except the stigma of the flower, and the spongioles
of the roots. These it does not cover, nor is it found upon those
parts wliich habitually live under water. And, where the bark
of the stem is rugged with seams and furrows, tliis organ is not
distinguishaljle.
36. It consists of a tissue of flattened cells of various figures,
filled with air. Usually there is but one layer of cells, but
sometimes there are two or three, especially in tropical plants.
The Oleander has four. Its office, in the economy of the plant,
is, to check the evaporation of its moisture.
a. The deUcate membrane, which may be easily stripped ofl" from the leaf of
the house-leek or the garden iris, is the epidennis. It is transparent, colorless,
and, under the microscope, reveals its cellular structure.
37. The epidermis does not entirely exclude the tissues be-
neath it from the external air, but is perforated by certain aper-
tures, called stomata (mouths), wliich open or close under the
mfluence of the light. (Fig. 2.)
38. Stomata are usually of an oval fomi, bounded by a pair
of kidney-shaped cells, containing a green matter. Sometimes
they arc round, and bounded by several cells. Many other
varieties of form have been noticed
EPIDERMIS.
25
39. Stomata are always placed over, and communicate with,
the intercellular passages, that is, the spaces between the cells of
the tissue. They are never found on the midrib, or veins, of
the leaf, or over any ligneous part of the structure. They are
most abundant over the soft, green tissue of the leaves, young
shoots, and the parts of the flower.
o. These organs are of a size so minute, that more than 100,000 of them have
been counted within the space of a squai-e inch. The largest knowm are about
- 1_ of an inch in length. Thek function is intimately connected witli respira-
tion.
/^-
FIG. 3. — Hairs and glands ; a, c, simple hairs ; 6, branched hair of the mullein ; d, gland
surmounted by a hair ; e, gland at the lop of a hair ; /, prickles of the rose.
40. The surface of the epidermis is either smooth, or furnished
with numerous processes, originatmg from itself, or from the
cellular substance beneath it. These are of several classes,
namely, glands, hairs, prickles, stings, kc.
41. Hairs £tre minute expansions of the epidermis, consisting
each of a single lengthened cell, or of a row of ceUs, placed end
to end, containing air. They are simple or branched. (Fig. 3.)
a. Hairs are occasionally found upon the leaves, stem, and indeed upon any
other part. In the cotton plant (Gossypium) they envelope the seed. They give
various names to the surface, tp which they are appended, according to their
nature and appearance ; thus it is said to be dotniy, or ■p^dicscent, when clothed
with soft, short hairs; — hirsute, with longer hairs; — rough, with short, stiff
hairs ; — tomentose, when they are entangled and matted ; orachivoid, when like
cobwebs; — sericeous, when silky; — velvetij, when they are short, soft, and
dense ; — ciliate, when long and fringed, like the eyelash.
42. Stings are tubular and acute hairs, fixed upon minute
glands in the cuticle, which secrete an acrid fluid. By the
3
26 PRIMARY DIVISIONS, ETC.
slightest pressure this fluid is injected through the tube into the
wound made by its point. Ex. nettle.
43. Prickles (Fig. 3) are also expansions of the epidermis,
consisting of hardened cellular tissue (29, e). They are appen-
ded to the cuticle alone, and are stripped off with it. Unlike
the thorn (171), they have no connection with the wood, nor do
they disappear by cultivation. Ex. rose, bramble. (Rubus.)
44. Glands (Fig. 3) are minute bodies of cellular tissue, situ-
ated on various parts of the plant, generally serving to elaborate
and discharge its peculiar secretions, which are oily, resinous,
saccharine, acrid, &c.
a. They are either sessile, as in the cassia; or mounted upon a stipe, as in the
passion flower ; or imbedded in the leaf, causing it to appear punctate, as in the
leaf of the lemon. Often the gland appears to be merely the expansion of a hair,
either at its base or its summit. Such are called glandular hairs.
45. Analogous to glands, are those cavities formed in the cel-
lular tissue, to serve as receptacles of secretion. Examples are
seen in the rind of the orange and lemon, containing minute
drops of a fragrant volatile oil. The turpentine of the fir balsam
is stored up in large resei-voirs of this kind.
CHAPTER III.
PEIMARY DIVISIONS OF TIIE VEGETABLE KINGDOM.
46. The vegetable kingdom has long been considered by
botanists under two great natural di\'isions, namely, Ph.«noga-
MiA, or Flowering Plants, and Cryptogamia, or Flowerless
Plants.
47. Besides the obvious distinction made by the presence or
the absence of the flower, these divisions are further distin-
guished by their structure. The Pheenogamia abound with the
ligneous and vascular tissue, while the Cryptogamia consist
almost wholly of the cellular. Hence, the former are also called
Vasculares, and the latter Cellulares,
SPECIES GENUS. 27
48. Again, the former are distinguished for producing seeds
composed of determinate parts, as cotyledons (^125) and embryo,
while the latter produce certain minute bodies, called sporea,
having no such distinction of parts. Thus the Phaenogamia are
also called Cotyledonous and the Cryptogamia Acotyledo-
Nous plants.
49. Lastly, we find in the Pha;nogamia, a system of com-
pound organs, such as root, stem, leaf, and flower, successively
developed on a determinate plan (s48- 26), while, in the Cryp-
togamia, a gradual departure from this plan commences, and
they become simple expansions of cellular tissue, without syni-
metiy or proportion.
o. In the following pages we shall first direct our attention exclusively to the
compound organs of Flowerixg Plants ; and since, in our descriptions of these
organs, freciuent references will be made to particular species and genera, for
illustrations and examples, it seems proper to subjoin, in this place, a brief notice
of these fundamental divisions also.
50. A Species embraces all such individuals as may have
originated from a common stock. Such individuals bear an es-
sential resemblance to each other, as well as to their common
parent, in all their parts.
a. Thus the white clover, ( Tnfolmm rcpcns) is a species, embracing thousands
of contemporary individuals, scattered over our hills and plains, all of a common
descent, and producing other individuals of their o-vvn kind from their seed. The
innumerable midtitudes of individual plants which clotlie the earth, are, so fur
as known, comprehended in about 80,000 species.
51. To tliis law of resemblance in plants of a common
origin, there are some apparent exceptions. Lidividuals from
the same parent often bear flowers differing in color, or fruit
differing in flavor, or leaves differing in form. Such differences
are called varieties. They are never permanent, but exhibit
a constant tendency to revert to theh original type.
a. Varieties occur cliiefly in cultivated species, as the apple, potatoe, hilip.
Geranium, &c., occasioned by the different circumstances of soil, climate, and
culture, to which they are subjected. But they continue distinct only until left to
multiply spontaneously from seed, in their own proper soil.
52 A Genus is an assemblage of species, with more points
of agreement than of difference, and more closely resembling-
each other than they resemble any species of other groups.
28 THE FLOWER.
a. For example, the genns TrifoUum includes the species T. repcns, T. pratensc,
&.C., agreeing in structure and aspect so obviously, that tlie most hasty observer
would notice their relationship. Also in the genus Pimts, no one would hesitate
to include the white i^ine and the pitch pine (P. sirobus and P. rigida), any more
than he would fail to observe their differences.
b. Thus, the whole vegetable kingdom is, by the most obvious
characters, distributed into species, and the species, by truly nat-
lu-al affinities, grouped into genera. These divisions constitute
the basis of all the systems of classification in use, whether by
natural or artificial methods.
^ * :jj: To the admu-er of nature, flowers are among the first subjects of atten-
tion, as mere objects of taste. They are conspicuous for their superior beauty,
even in the vegetable kingdom, where all is beautiful. Yet, as objects of science,
they merit a still higher regard, whether we consider the Creative skill displayed
in their constniction, or their unportant agency in the reproduction of the plant
But, to the practical botanist, an intimate knowledge of their organic structure is
one of his frst requisites, on account of the indispensable use of the floral organs
in classification.
CHAPTER IV.
THE FLOWER,
fl. OF ITS PARTS, AND THEIR ARRANGEMENT.
53. A FLOWER may consist of the following members: —
1. Tlie FLORAL ENVELOPES, Called, . coUectivcly, the perianth,
(nsQi, around, av-d^og, a flower) ; 2. The stamens ; 3. The pistils ;
and, 4. The receptacle, or torus.
a. Of these, only the stamens and pistils arc regarded in science as essential
parts. These, together -^dth the receptacle, are said to constitute a perfect flower,
even when one or all other parts are wanting ; because these two organs alone
are sufficient for the perfection pf the seed. In a popular sense, however, a per-
fect flower must possess all the organs above mentioned.
b. If tlic stamens or the pistils, either or both, be wanting, the flower is said to
lie imperfect. An imperfect flower is either sterile, having stamens only, or fertile,
having pistils only, or naitral, having neither organs complete.
PISTILS.
29
4 3 1 2
pjG. 4. — No. 1, Lily (Lilium Japonicum) ; '-', pink (Dianilms) ; 3, a stamen ; 4, a pistil.
54. Tlie FLORAL ENVELOPES, Or PERIANTH, COllSlSt of 0116 Or
more circles or ivJwrls of leaves, surrounding the stamens. Tlie
outer of these whorls is called the calyx, and the other, if there
be any, the corolla. The calyx may, therefore, exist without the
corolla, but the corolla cannot exist without the calyx. If nei-
ther of them exist, the flower is said to be naked, or achlamyde-
ous («, privative, and x^-«f'^s, a cloak).
55. The CALYX (xaAi^i, a cup), therefore, is the external en-
velope, the cicp, of the flower, consisting of a whorl of leaves,
with their edges distuict or united, usually green, but sometimes
highly colored. The calyx-leaves are called sepals.
56. The COROLLA (Lat. corolla, diminutive of coro7ia, croum)
is the interior envelope of the flower, consisting of one or more
circles of leaves, either distinct, or united by then edges, usually
of some other color than gi-een, and of a more deheate structure
than the cal^rx. Its leaves are called petals
57. Tlie stamens are those tliread-like organs, situated just
witliin the perianth and around the pistils. Their number
varies from one to a hundred, but the most common number
is five. Their office is, the fertilization of the seed. They
are collectively called the andrcccinm [avdQeg* stamens, oixo;, a
house).
* The plural of "-vn^, a man, a term applied to the stamen, by Linnseus, in accordance
with his favorite theory of the sexes of platits. The term J" ^f , woman, is, on the same
grounds, applied to the pistil.
?.*
30 THE FLOWER.
58. The PISTILS occupy the centre of the flower. They are
sometimes mimerous, but often only one. They are destined to
bear the seed. Collectively, they are called gyncecium (j'l^vj;,
pistil, otHOQ, a house).
59. The RECETTACLE is the summit of the flower-stalk, out of
wlrich the floral organs gi-ow, and upon wliich they stand in
concentric whorls, tlie gyncscium in the centre, the andrcecium
encircling it, the cofolla next wdthout, and the calyx embracing
the whole.
60. Tlio principal pails of the flower are shown in the cuts (Figs. 4, 6, 7, &c.),
or better by specimens, with which, both hoc and throughout the xuork, the student
should always be provided.
The slender, thread-like organs seen at a (Fig. 4, No. 1 ), are the stamens, sur-
rounding the pis^til 6 : c is tlie perianth, consisting of two similar whorls, the outer
one a calyx of tlu-ee sepals, the inner a corolla of three petals, sun-ounding or
enveloping the stamens and pistil ; aid is the receptacle. At a (No. 2) is the
inner envelope, the coroUa ; at 6 is the outer envelope, the calyx or cup, which
seems to contain the rest of the flower like a cup ; at c, below the calyx, are
certain leafy appendages c&WeAbracteoles or bracts.
a. Let the pupil compare specimens of these and other flowere, whose parts are
well developed, until he becomes familiar with the appearance of each organ, and
can instantly apply ils name.
Gl. A complete and regular flower, therefore, is made up of
four sets of organs, arranged in concentric whorls. In regard to
the number and posiiion of the individual organs composing
these whorls, it is important to observ^e,
a. First, that each set consists, theoretically, of the same num-
ber of organs, that is, if the sepals be 5, there should be 5 petals,
5 stamens, and 5 pistils ; or, if 3 sepals, there should be 3 petals,
3 stamens, and 3 pistils, &c.
h. Secondly, the position of the organs in each set alternates
with those of each adjacent set, that is, the sepals, alternate with
the petals, the petals with the stamens, and the stamens with
the pistils.
f. Thus, in a word, the normal stniciure of tlie tiiily symmeti-ical flower,
divested of all iiregularities, consists of four concentric whorls of organs, the
organs of each whorl being equal in number, and alternate in position with those
of the other whorls (Fig. 5; 1 ). This structural aiTangemcnt, as will hereafter be
seen, exactly coincides with that of the leafy branch, agreeably to the beautiful
ITS NORMAL STRUCTURE.
31
theory of the ' ti-ansformation of the leaves into the floral organs,' * to which allu-
sion has ah-eady been made (§25). When the bud is developed into a branch,
instead of a flower, the leaves are usually an-anged in a simple spiral line. This
spire may be broken up into equal cncles or whorls, from causes to be hereafter
explained. In either case the leaves of one spu-e, or circle, do not issue from the
stem at points exactly over the leaves of the next circle below, but over the i'lUer-
vals between them.
62. This simple noniial stnicture of the flower is, however, subject to many
apparent exceptions, so that few, comparatively, are found perfectly confoimable
to it. Of these few the order Linaeece affords good examples. In the flax
(Linum) the flower is built upon the normal plan, consisting of 5 sepals, 5 petals,
5 stamens, and 5 pistils (each \«th 5 double carpels), all alternating wth each
other, according to the diagram (Fig. 5 ; 1 ).
FIG. 5. — Plan of flowers ; 1, of a regular and symmetrical flower, as the flax (Linum) ; 2,
of the cherry, showing the four whorls of stamens ; .3, of the primrose, showing the position
of the suppressed row of stamens ; 4, of the Samolus, showing the position of the 5 abortive
stamens; 5, of a labiate flower, as the hemp-neule (Galeopsis), where one stamen and one
carpel is wanting; 6, of a cruciform flower, as mustard, where the stamens are in two
whorls, two of those in the outer whorl and two carpels being suppressed.
G3. If, with tliis adopted standard, we compare the numerous
* This theory was first suggested by Linnneus, the founder of Systematic Botany, and sub-
sequently by Wolff and Goethe. After having been long unheeded by botanists, it has at
length been revived by modern writers of the highe.st merit, and shown to be perfectly coin-
cident with tacts. ' The adoption of this theory, accordingly, has given a new aspect to
botany, and rendered it one of the most philosophical and inductive of the natural sciences.'
See Gray's Bot. Text-Book, Chap. YIII, where this tlieorj' is clearly stated, and richly illiis-
irated.
32 THE FLOWER.
forms of floral structure wliich occur, we shall be able to trace
out the featiu-es of the general plan, even among the widest de-
viations, and to leaiii the nature and causes of these de\'iations.
Some of them are the following.
a. One or more additional whorls of the same organ may have been developed. For
example, the flower of the Trillium, which, as in most liliaceous plants, is trim-
erous (rgt/f, three, and /"s§o?, part) in its parts, has 6 stamens, evidently in two
whorls, and in the flower of the cherry (No. 2,) there are 20 stamens, which may
be regarded as an-anged in four whorls of fives. Other illustrations will occur
to the student.
b. Some of the entire whorls may have been stippressed. For example, in the
primrose there are 5 sepals, 5 petals, and 5 stamens, but the stamens are placed
opposite the petals. This is to be attributed to the absence of an intennediate
whorl of stamens, for in the Samolus, a plant of the same natural order, there is
a circle of sterile filaments in the place of the absent stamens (Fig. 5 ; 3, 4).
c. Some of the parts of a whorl may have been suppressed. Such deficiencies are
very common. In the sage, for example, and Monarda, thi-ce of the stamens are
wanting, in place of which are two i-udimentary filaments, and the tliird rudiment
makes its appearance in some allied genera. In most of the Labiatse but one
stamen is wanting (Fig. 5; 5). In the carrot, caraway, and all the Umbelliferse,
the pistils are reduced from 5, the normal number, to 2.
d. The parts of the same whorl may have been imited. Thus the sepals may be
united at their edges in diff"ercnt degrees, as in the phlox, pink, &c. Or the petals
may be thus united, as in the morning gloiy : or the stamens, as in the mallows
tribe ; or the pistils, which is extremely common. In short, scarcely a flower can
be found in which some of these cohesions do not occur.
e. The organs of diffaent ichorls may have been conjoined, causing great disturb-
ances in the symmeti-y of the flower. The calyx often, as in the currant, coheres
with the whole surface of the ovarium (97), only becoming free at the summit, so
that it seems to stand upon it. It is then said (but improperly) to be superior.
Again, the stamens adhere to the petals in their lower part, so as to appear to
grow out of them ; they are then said (improperly) to be inserted into the corolla.
In the Orchis tribe the stamens are consolidated with the pistil. The term free
is used in opposition to these adhesions, just as the term distinct is used in oppo-
sition to the cohesion of the same organs with each other.
f. The organs of the same whorl may have been unequally developed. This is the
case in the corollas of the pea and bean tribes, called papilionaceous (Lat. pajnlio,
a butterfly), and in tliose of the mint tribe called labiate (Lat. labiimx, a lip).
g. Again, organs of one kind may have been reconverted into those of another kind,
or into leaves. Such monstrosities are of frequent occurrence among cultivated
plants, and may be regarded as proofs of the present doctrine of the floral struc-
ture. In all double flowers, as the rose, peony, tulip, &c., the stamens have been
reconverted into petals. By still further changes, all parts of tlie flower tend
towards a lealy character, rendering the resemblance of the flower to an undevel-
ITS NOKMAL STRUCTURE.
33
oped branch very obvious. Nay, in some cases, the whole flower-bud, after having
given a slight indication of a floral character, is transformed into a leafy branch,
showing that all parts of the flower are foimed out of the same elements as the
leaves.
h. Sometimes the flower-stalk is not eff'ectually checked in its growth by the
development of the flower, but is prolonged through it, and produces secondary
flowers in the midst of the organs of the fii'st. This is not unfrequent in the rose.
Several instances of these malfoi-mations are exhibited below. (Fig. 6.)
k. This mode of studying the floral stnjctiu-c is deeply interesting and instruc-
tive, but our limits will not pemiit us to dwell upon it, nor is it necessary. The
intelligent student will be able to extend the above illustrations by an examina-
tion of almost any flower, with reference to its deviations from the nonnal plan.
FIG. 6. — 1, From Lindley, — a flower of white clover, reverting to a leafy branch ; 2, here
drawn from a living specimen, — a tulip, 6, a leaf arising from the peduncle, takes the posi-
tion, form, and color (in part) of a sepal ; 3, here drawn from a living specimen, — a rose (R.
damascena) with the axis prolonged into secondary rose-buds.
*** In our detailed description of the flower, we shall commence with those
organs which are deemed essential, their mysterious agency being indispensable to
the perfection of the seed.
34
THE FLOWER.
CHAPTER V.
THE FLO WEE.
}2. OF THE STAMENS, AND THE ARTIFICIAL CLASSES.
64. The stamens and pistils are situated witliin the floral
envelopes, and since one or both are always present, in every
species, at least, of the Phajnogamous plants, they were seized
upon by Linnaeus * as the basis of his beautiful arrangement,
called the Artificial System.
9 2345 G 7 8
FIG. 7. — Forms of stamens, anthers, pollen, &c. 1. Stamens and pistil of a flower (Rho-
dodendron Lapponicum), in their natural position ; a, stigma, b, anthers, c, style, d, filaments,
e, ovary, /, calyx and receptacle ; 2, stamen of ginger ; 3, sage ; 4, Berberis ; 5, Vaccinium
amoenum, with the terminal pores ; 6, cucumber, with the sinuous lobes of the anther ;
7, Polygonum ; 8, Lemna, anther bursting vertically ; 9, lily ; 10 Magnolia ; 17, a four-celled
anther; 18, anther of Alchemilla, bursting transversely. Nos. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, various
(magnified) forms of pollen-grains.
* Carl Von Linnfi, or Linnaeus, the most eminent of naturalists, was the son of a clerg)--
man, born in 1707, at Rhoeshult, in the province of Smaland, Sweden. In his 24th year,
v/hile a member of the University of Upsal, he conceived the idea of that system of plants
which bears his name. In 1741 he became professor of medicine in the same University,
and in 1761, on account of his great literary attainments, was elevated to the rank of nobility.
He died in 1778. To him the natural sciences are under incalculable obligations, all of
which he classified and arranged anew. But the science of botany, especially, is indebted
to him for those discoveries and classifications, which have, more than any others, contri-
buted to its general diffusion. In his 'immortal work,' l^ecies Plantannn, he enriched the
language of botany by a new nomenclature of species, and many new terms in tlie tech-
nology of plants, for their more accurate description.
POLLEN. 35
65. The STAMENS are those tliread-like organs, seen in the
midst of the flower, situated around the pistils and within the
corolla, or the calyx, constituting the androecium.
66. The stamen (Fig. 4, No. 3) consists of three distmct
parts ; namely, the filament, a ; the anther, b ; and the pollen, c.
The filament is sometimes wantuig, the two latter are essen-
tial.
67. The FILAMENT (Lat. filum, a tlnead) is the stem, sup-
porting the anther at or near its top, and is analogous to the
stem of a leaf, or to the claw of a petal. Wlien it is wanting,
the anther, like a leaf or a petal in a similar case, is said to be
sessile.
68. The ANTHER is generally situated at the summit of the
filament, and is composed of two parallel lobes or cells, con-
nected to each other and to the filament by the connectile. It is
analogous to the blade of the leaf, each half blade being trans-
formed into a lobe, and the midrib into the connectile.
a. Each cell of the anther usually opens by a longitudinal fissure, called the
dehiscence, but sometimes, as in the potato, Pyrola, &c. by an apeitm-e (pore) at
the summit. In the Polygala, mallow, &c. the two cells are reduced to one.
b. The connectile is usuallj^a mere pi'olongation of the filament tenninating,
not at the base, but at the summit of the anthers. In some cases it is prolonged
above them, into a sort of appendage, as in the violet, silk-weed, &c.
c. The anther is sometimes wanting, and the filament in such cases cannot
constitute a stamen, but is said to be abortive, or sterile.
69. In regard to the modes of attaclmient between the anther and the filament,
we find the following variations ; the anthers are said to be,
1 . Innate, when they are attached to the filament by the base of the connectile.
2. Adnate, when they are attached to the filament by their back, so as to appear
lateral ; as in the Anemone, water-Uly.
3. Versatile, when fixed by a single point to the connectile, from wliich they
lightly swing ; as in the grasses.
4. When the anthers are attached to the inside of the filament, or connectile, so
that the line of dehiscence faces the pistils, they are called introrse (turned
inward). But when they are attached to the outside of the connectile, so that the
dehiscence faces the petals, they are called extrorse (turned outward). Examples
of the former are seen in the violet ; of the latter in the lai-kspur. These distinc-
tions are of importance, as will hereafter be seen.
70. The POLLEN is, in appearance, a small, yellow dust, con-
tained in the cells of the anther. When viewed with a micro-
scope, it appears to consist of grains (granules) of various forms,
36
THE FLOWER.
usually spherical, but iii some plants cubical, in others triangu-
lar, in others still, polygonal, &c., always being of the same form
in the same species. (Fig. 7.)
a. Each grain of pollen has heen ascertained to consist of a membranous sack
containing a fluid. In this fluid are suspended molecules of inconceivable
minuteness, possessed of a tremulous motion. When the membrane is exposed
to moisture, it swells and bui'sts, discharging its contents. (Fig. 12.)
71. Physiological structure. The filament consists of a bundle
of deUcate Ugneous tissue, with sphal vessels, surroimded by
cellular tissue, the same tissues which compose the stem of the
leaf (260). Tlie same tissues have also been traced uito the
connectile. The anther consists almost wholly of cellular tissue,
corresponding to the fleshy substance (parenchyma) of the leaf
The pollen consists of disintegTated bladders of the same tissue.
72. Thcordkal structure. Thus it is e\'ideut, as we have aheady seen, that
however much the stamen may dift'er in aspect from a leaf, tliey both have the
same original plan. This is further evident, from the gradual transition of sta-
mens into petals,, as seen in the water-hly or the double rose. In the fonner, the
process is so gradual that the outer whorls exactly resemble petals, except in ha\'ing
the tops developed into yellow anthers, while in the rose we find organs in every
conceivable state of transition from stamens to petaj?. That the petals are modi-
fied leaves, will hereafter be more definitely shown (106).
FIG. 8. — Stamens of the water-lily gradually pas. CAPSULE. 53
the oak, cliestnut, some of the grasses, &c., it is chiefly or entirely deposited in the
FIG. IG. — Modes of dehiscence ; 1, Locu.icidal ; 2, Septicidal ; 3, Septifragal. The straight
lines represent the dissepiments.
115. Deldscence. When the pencarp has arrived at maturity,
it either remains permanently closed (indehiscent) as the acorn,
or it sei)arates into parts forming openings. These parts are
called valves, and these openings, the dehiscence. Regular de-
hiscence is always vertical, and is called,
1. Loculicidal {loculus, a cell, ccedo, to cut), when it takes
place by the opening of the dorsal suture of each carpel tlu-ectly
into the cell. Ex. lily.
2. Septicidal {septum, a wall, and ccedo), when it tokes place
through the dissepiments (which are doubled, ^ 85, c). Ex.
mallows.
3. Septifragal {septum, and frango, to break), when tlie valves
separate from the dissepiments, which remain still united in the
axis. Ex. Convolvulus.
4. Sjctural {sutura, a seam), when it takes place at one or
both sutures, in a fruit with a simple carpel. Ex. pea.
5. An irregular dehiscence, called circumscissile {circumscindo,
to cut around), occurs in the plantain, verbena, henbane, &c.,
where the top of the pericarp falls oiT like a lid. (Fig. 18 ; 16.)
116. The forms of the pericarp are exceedingly diversified, and have been
studied by botanists with great attention. The following varieties arc generally
described in elementary works.
1. Capsule (a casket), is a term applied to those pericarps
which are of a hard and woody texture, proceeding from a com-
pound ovary, dehiscing at the side or top, by valves, or some-
times by pores only.
a. The capsule consists of only one cell, or is divided within
54
THE FRUIT.
by dissepiments (85, c) into many cells. The central pillar, or
substance formed by the united placentae is called the colu-
mella. To tliis the seeds are generally attached. The seed-
vessels of the Lobelia, mullein, pink, poppy, bloodi-oot (San-
irninaria), are capsules.
riG. 17. — Formn of fruil : 1, capsule of Rhododendron; 2, Nicoliana ; 3, Colchicum ;
4, Oenothera; 5, silique of R;iphami:i ; 6, silicle of Capsella; 7, les;ume of the pea ; 8, jointed
Ifgiime (lomint) of Desmodium; 9, follicle of Apocynum ; 10, nut of oak; 11, drupe of
Ccrasus.
2. SiT.iQn: (a pod). This is a long, narrow pericarp of two
Aalves, divided into two cells, by a false dissepiment formed by
tlic extended placenta^. The seeds are attached to the edges
of this dissepiment, alternating with its opposite sides. Ex.
mustard, wallflower, and other CrucifercC.
0. Silicle (a little pod), differs from the silique, by being
.'. The legume, therefore,
ac'com]vanios the papilionaceous corolla.
5. Follicle (a bag) is a pericarp with one valve and one
PEPO. 55
cell, opening by a sutuial deliiscence on the inner side, and
bearing seeds at the base, or along the suture. Ex. peony, col-
umbine, silk-weed.
6. Drupe (stone-fmit) is one-celled, one or two seeded, inde-
hiscent, with a hard and bony endocarp (stone), and a moist and
pulpy epicarp and sarcocarp. Ex. plum, cherry, peach. It also
includes those fruits which have a fibro-fleshy, or even coria-
ceous epicarp, as the walnut, butternut, which kinds of fruit are
called drupaceous.
7. The Nut is a hard, dry, indehiscent shell, proceeding from
an ovary wliich is two or more celled, and two or more ovuled,
but becoming by suppression one-celled, and one-ovuled ( 1 10, a).
It differs from the Drupe, in wantmg the soft, succulent cover- -
ing. Instead of this it is seated in a kind of persistent involu-
cre, called a cupule. Ex. chestnut, oak, beech, hazle.
8. Caryopsis (kernel). This is a thin, dry, one-celled peri-
carp, inseparable from the seed which it encloses. Ex. maize,
wheat, Carex. When it is not inseparable from the seed, it is
called a utricle, as in the pig-weed (Chenopodium).
9. An ACHENiuM is a small, diy, hard, one-cehed pericarp, dis-
tinct from the seed which it contains. Ex. Borago, Ranun-
culus, Aster, and the Composite generally.
10. Samara (winged fruit). It ponsists of a diy, indehiscent,
one-seeded pericarp, with a ^\■ing-like appendage. Ex. birch,
maple.
11. A PYXIS (box) is a capsule which opens by a circum-
sessile dehiscence (11-5 ; 5), so as to appear like a little cup with
a hd. Ex. plantain (Plantago), purslane (Portulaca).
12. Pome (apple). This is a fleshy, indehiscent pericarp,
formed of tlie permanent calyx, containing several cartilaginous
carpels, or cells, which enclose the seeds. Ex. apple, pear,
quince.
13. Tlie PEPO (gourd) is an indehiscent, fleshy fruit, proceed-
ing from a compound ovary, either one-celled, or entirely filled
with pulp. Ex. cucumber, melon, pumpkin.
11. Berry (Bacca), a succulent, pulpy pericarp, holding the
sei'd:> loosely williin, with no other eovcring than its own soO
56
THE FRUIT.
mass. Ex. currant, whortlebeiTy. Tlie orange and lemon an-
swer this definition, and are therefore benies.
FIG. 18. — Forms of fruit ; 13, naked achenia of Fragaria on the surface of the enlarged,
fleshy receptacle ; 14, drupaceous achenia of a Rubus on a fleshy, deciduous receptacle; 1.5,
samara of Acer ; 16, pyxis of Hyoscyamus ; 17, pome of Pyrus (pear); 18, berr>' of Ribes
(gooseberry); 19, section of the same enlarged ; 20, sirobilo of Piiius; 21, cremocarp of the
UrabelliferEB, as Conium.
a. This definition cannot include the strawberry, which consists of an en-*
larged, fleshy receptacle, bearing numerous achenia upon its surface. Nor does
it include the blackbeiTV, which, like the other species of the llubus, is an aggre-
gate fi-uit composed of united drupes. These fruits are called Etseria, by Mirbel.
(Fig. 18; 13, 14.)
15. Strobile (cone). This is an aggregate fruit, consisting
of scale-like carpels spread open, with naked seeds on their
inner side, at base. Such is the fruit of the fir tribe, which is
on this account called Conifcra?.
57
CHAPTER IX.
THE FRUIT.
§2. OF THE SEED.
117. The seed is the ultimate product of vegetation, and con-
tains the rudiments of a new plant, similar in all respects to the
original.
a. The seed consists of three principal parts; — the integu-
ments, the ALBUMEN, and the embryo.
118. The Integuments, or coverings, invest the seed immedi-
ately exterior to all its other parts. Although apparently single,
they consist of several membranes, to each of which an appro-
priate name has been applied. The first, or outer membrane,
\s the testa ; the second, the mesosperm ; the third, the endo-
PLEURA, coiTesponding with the primine, &c. (90) of the ovule.
a. The testa is either papery (membranous), leathery (coriaceous), homy (crus-
taceous), bony, fleshy, or woody. Its surface is generally smooth, sometimes
beautifully polished, as in the Indian shot (Canna), or columbine, and often
highly colored, as in varieties of the bean, &c. It is sometimes expanded into
wings, as in the Arabis, and sometimes into a tuft of hau-s at one end, called
coma, as in the silk-weed, or it is entirely enveloped in hairs, as in the cotton.
/>. The coma must not be confoimdcd with the pappus (99, a), which is a modi-
fication of the calyx, appended to the pericaqi, and not to the seed, as in the
achenia of the thistle, dandelion, and other Compositoe.
119. The aril is an expansion, proceeding from the summit of
the funiculus, or seed-stalk (91), (or from the placenta when
the funiculus is wanting) either partially or wholly investing
the seed. A fine example is seen in that gashed covering
of the nutmeg, called mace. In the celastrus it completely
envelops the seed. In other seeds it is a mere scale, and often
it is wanting.
120. The HiLUM, or scar, is that point or mark left on the coats
of the seed, by its separation from the funiculus (stalk). It is
commonly called the eye, as in the bean, pea, maize, &c. (Fig.
11; 8, a.)
121, The hilum of the seed sometimes con-esponds with tlie chalaza of the
58 THE FRUIT.
ovule. In this case the ovule, or seed, is said to be orthotropous (erect), Ex. can-
dleberry (Myiica). More generally, however, the funiculus (91) extends beyond
the hilum, passing under the integuments partly around the nucleus, before it
is joined to it. The point of this final juncture is always the chalaza, and that
part of the funiculus which then intervenes between the hilum and tlie chalaza is
called the raphe. This form of the ovule, or seed, is called anatropous (inverted),
and is exemplified in the apple. The raplie can, therefore, exist only in the ana-
tropous seed, and serves to distinguish it. (See Fig. 11 ; Ko's 8 and 9.)
122. The Albumen. Next within the integuments, there is a
white substance called the albumen, consisting chiefly of starch.
It constitutes the chief bulk of some seeds, as maize, wheat,
rye, and ser\'es to nourish the embiyo in its nascent state. It
abounds chiefly in those seeds which have but one cotyledon.
It is wholesome and ntitritious, even in poisonous plants. Tlie
albumen in some seeds is entirely wanting, particularly in the
bean, pea, &c., the nutritious matter being all absorbed in the
cotyledon.
123. The EMBRYO is an organized body, the rudiments of the
young plant, situated within the integuments. To the growth
of this all other parts of the seed are subservient. Li some
seeds the embryo is distinctly visible. Ex. bean, Convolvtihts.
124. The embryo is divided into three parts ; the radicle, the
plumule, and colyledon.
a. The radicle is the descending part of the embryo, destined
to form the root (radix). In respect to position, it always points
towards the foramen.
h. The PLUMULE is the ascending part of the embryo, or the
rudiment of the ascending axis of the future plant. It is usually
directed towards the chalaza.
125. The COTYLEDON is the bulky, porons, and farinaceous
part of seeds, destined to form the first or seminal leaves of the
young plant, as well as to afford nourishment to the plumule
and radicle, before they can obtain it from the earth. In the
bean, squash, cucumber, and most other plants, the cotyledons
are conspicuoits in rising above the ground.
a. The number of cotyledons is variable ; and upon this cir-
cumstance is founded the most important and distinct division
of the Pn^NOGAMiA, or flowering plants.
126. Monocotyledonous plants are those whose seeds have but one colyledon,
SPOKES. 59
or, if two are present, one is minute or abortive. Such plants are also called
ENDOGENS (ej'J'ov, inside, ymfM-M, to originate or grow), because their stems increase
by internal accretions (197). Such are the grasses, the palms, the Liliacese, &c.,
v.-hose leaves are mostly constructed with parallel veins.
127. Dicotyledonous plants are such as bear seeds with two cotyledons.
These are also called exogens (sSa, outside), because their stems increase by
external accretions, including the bean tribe, the melon tribe, all our forest trees,
&e. These are also distinguished at a glance, by the structure of their leaves,
which are reticulate-vciued, that is, with veins dividing and uniting again, like
network.
FIG. 19. — Structure of seeds and germination; 1, seed of a garden bean; 2, the same
after ^ermijiation is commenced and the skin llirown ofi'; .3, seed of Triglocliin (magnified) ;
a, fungous clialaza, b. raplie, c, hilum; 4, embryo ; a, cotyledon, 6, radicle, c, fissure, beneath
which lies the plumule; 5, vertical section of the same; rf, ihe radicle seen beneath the
fissure ; 6, germinating seed of Alisma ; a, cotyledon, 6, plumule, c, radicle ; 7. seed of Canna
lulea, vertical section, a, albumen, ft, emliryo ; S, fruit of Mirabilis, showing the cotnmence-
ment of germination, the embryo protruding the radicle ; 9, the same, having thrown ofi" ihe
pericarp and become a young plant; 10, germinating seed of Calla .^thiopica ; a, seed, 6,
first leaf of plumule, r, radicle ; 11, section of the fruit of a grass with the embryo at base;
12, the same aficr germination lias commenced ; 13, the germination completed, and the
young plant formed; 14, embryo of Pinus, showing the numerous cotyledons; 15, the same
after germination has commenced ; 16, embryo of Cuscuta, having no cotyledon.
128. The pine and fir have seeds with from two to throe cotyledons, while the
dodder (Cuscuta) is almost the only example known of an embryo with no coty-
ledon.
129. A few plants, as the onion, orange, ConiferiS, &c., occasionally have two
or even several embryos in a seed, while all the Ckyptogamia, or flowerless
plants, have no embryo at all, nor even seeds, but are reproduced from spokes,
(48) bodies analogous to the pollen grains of flowering plants.
60 THE FRUIT.
§3. OF GERMINATION. *
130. The embryo is the most important part of the seed. It is to the protec-
tion and nourishment of this alone, that all other parts of the seed, and even of
the whole plant, are subserv-ient, and if this be injured or destroyed, the ultimate
object of the whole vegetable economy would seem to be defeated.
a. Germination is a term denoting the first stages of vital
action in the seed ; the process is briefly described as follows :
131. When the seed is planted in a moist soil, at a moderate
temperature, the mtegiiments gradually absorb water, soften,
and expand. The water is decomposed, its oxygen combines
with the carbon of the starch wliich had been stored up in the
tissues. Thus, losing a part of its carbon, the starch is con-
verted into sugar for the nourishment of the embryo, which now
begins to dilate and develope its parts. Soon the integuments
burst, the radicle descends, seeking the damp and dark bosom
of the earth, and the plumule arises, with expanding leaves, to
the air and the light.* (See Fig. 19, explanations.)
132. As to the cotyledons, they either remain under ground at
the centre of motion, as in all Monocotyledonous plants and in
the oak, or, as in almost all Dicotyledonous plants, they arise
above the surface with the ascending axis, become gi'een, and
perform the functions of digestion and resphation, hke leaves,
for the nourishment of the young plant.
133. The conditions requisite for the germmation of the seed
are heat, moisture, oxygen, and darkness.
a. Heat is a requisite condition of all -vital actions, as well in the sprouting of a
seed as in the hatching of an egg, and if it be not supplied from a source within,
* The phenomena of germination, in all its stages, may be observed in an interesting ex-
periment. Let a few seeds, as of the flax or the pea, be enveloped in a look of cotton, float-
ing upon water in a bulb-glass. In a few days, the plumule ascends in its genial air, while
tlie radicle shoots downwards in long silky fibres.
The ascent of the plumule in a direction contrary to gra\nty is a law in vegetation, a.s uni-
versal as the law of attraction in matter, and no less difficult to explain. From the two
following experiments, it would seem to result both from the influence of the light aiid llie
Jaw of gravitation. Professor Shullz planted some seeds of cabbage, mustard, and beans, in
moss, and so arranged them that the only light which they could receive was from a mirror,
reflecling the solar rays upwards ; they sent their stems downwards, and their roots upwards.
Mr. Knight placed vessels, containing eanh with germinating seeds, upon the circumfer-
ence of a large horizontal wheel, which was kept constantly and rapidly revolving for seve-
ral days. The seeds grew, but instead of ascending perpendicularly, the axis of each plant
was inclined at an angle of 45°, or more, towards the centre of the wheel, in accordajice with
the combined action of the centrifugal force of the wheel, and the attraction of the earth.
DISSEMINATION OF SEEDS. 61
must be obtained from without. Different degrees of heat are required by dif-
ferent plants, but a temperature from 50° to 80° is most favorable to those of the
temperate zones. Such is the genial wannth supplied by the sun.
b. Water is also requisite for softening the integuments, and for dissolving the
dry nutriment stored up in the albumen, or the cotyledons. This is supplied in
showers of rain and dew.
c. Oxygen is requisite, as seen above, for the conversion of starch into sugar ;
a process always depending upon the formation and evolution of carbonic acid, a*i
well in the seed as in the laboratory of the chemist Tliis is supplied by the
water and by the air.
d. And, finally, darkness is favorable, because it is tlu-ough the influence of
light, as will hereafter be shown, that plants absorb carbonic acid from the air,
decompose it, retain the carbonic acid, and give back the oxygen only. Light
would therefore tend to increase the quantity of carbon, ratlier than diminish it.
Hence the seed should be buj-ied in the soil.
134. The ripened seeds of most plants have the power of retaining their vitality
for many years, if they are placed in circumstances wliieh will neither cause them
to germinate nor decay, such as a low or moderate temperature, with the absence
of moisture. Thus the seeds of maize have been known to grow when 30 years
old, rye 40 years, kidney beans 100 years, and the raspbeny and beach plum afcer
many centuries.*
ii. THE DISSEMINATION OF SEEDS
135. Is a subject highly curious and interesting ; and when attentively consid-
ered, sen-es, hke a thousand other cases in the works of Nature, to illustrate the
wisdom and design of its great Author. By means of the coma, or pappu?,
already described, the seeds of the thistle, dandelion, and numerous other plants,
are wafted by winds to considerable ctistances, across rivers, mountains, and even
the ocean itself. The Erigcron Canadense, a weed now common on both sides the
Atlantic,^ was supposed by Linnaeus to have been transported to Europe from
Canada, of which country it is native.
a. Seeds are also furnished with wings for the same purpose. Others are pro-
vided with hooks, or beards, by which they lay hold of men or animals, and arc
thus scattered far and wide.
b. Some seeds, as the Impatiens, which are destitute of all such appendages, are
thi-own to some distance by the bursting of the elastic pericarp. Kivers, sti-eams,
and the currents of the ocean, are all means of transporting seeds from country to
* No instance of the longevity of seeds is more remarkable than that rflated by Dr.
Lintlley. 'I have before me,' says he, ' three plants of ra.spberries, raised from seeds which
were taken from the stomach of a man wliose skeleton was found .30 feet below the surface
of the eanh. He had been buried with some coins of the emperor Hadrian, and it is therefore
probable that the seeds were 1600 or 1700 years old.'
Several years ago, in the State of Maine, about 40 miles from the sea, some men, m dig-
ging a well, threw up some sand from a remarkable layer, about 20 feet below the surface,
and placed it by itself. A year or two afterwards several shrubs sprung up from this sand,
grew, produced fruit, and proved to be the beach-plum.
6
62 THE ROOT.
country. Thus, the cocoa, and the cashew-nut, and the seeds of the mahogany,
have been known to perform long voyages, without injuiy to their vitality. Squir-
rels, laying up their winter stores in the earth, birds, migrating from clime to
clime, and from island to island, in like manner conspire to effect the same im-
portant end.
CHAPTER X.
THE ROOT.
136. The root is the basis of the plant, and the principal
source of its nourishment. It originates with the radicle of the
seed ; the tendency of its growth is downwards, and it is gener-
ally immersed in the soil.
a. When the radicle has burst the integuments of the seed, and penetrated the
soil, its body becomes divided into branches, or fibres; each of these is again
divided and sub-divided into fibres, often exceedingly numerous and minute, ever
extending and multiplying, until the vegetable has attained its full growth.
1.37. Tlie prone direction of the root is accounted for by the extreme delicacy
of the fibres, which renders them averse to the air and light, by their avidity for
moisture, and by the effects of gravitation.
a. Although the primary direction of the roots is downward, they are not
known to extend to any great depth. After ha-\dng descended to a certain dis-
tance beneath the surface, they extend themselves horizontally, keeping at about a
uniform depth, however great the iiTcgularities of the surface.
13S. The number and extent of the roots must always correspond to the
demands of the vegetable, both for affording it nourishment, and for maintaining
it in its erect position. It follows, thercfoi-e, that for every expanding loaf, or
extending twig, there must be a coiTcsponding increment of the roots and fibres
beneath the soil.
139. Roots are generally distinguished from stems by their
downward direction, by the presence of absorbing fibres, by the
constantly irregular arrangement of their branches, and by the
absence of buds, stomata, and pith.
140. To all these characteristics thfere are, however, exceptions. Thus, buds, in
peculiar circumstances, arc developed by the roots, sending up shoots, or suckers,
around the parent stem. This does not happen in the natural or healthy state
of the plant, but only ^v■hcn the life, of the upper axis is partially or wholly
destroyed, the roots remaining, iij fall vigor, and elaborating more nourishment
SPONGIOLE3. 63
than there is now demand for. Such buds are, tlierefore, merely adventitious.
On this account it would seem that those roots, commonly so called, which do
naturally and uniformly produce buds, are with propriety described by modem
writers as subterranean stems; as the root-stalk of the sweet flag (Calamus), the
tmlb of the tulip, or the tuber of the potato.
141. The summit of the root, or that part which connects it to
the ascending axis, is designated as the collurn, or neck.
a. Strictly spealdng, this is the only stationary part of tlie plant. Occupying
the centre of motion between the ascending and descending axis, every enlarge-
ment that takes place upon its upper surface arises into the iiii-, wliile all below it
descends into the earth.
142. Tlie parts of the root which require especial notice, are
the caudez, Jibrils, and spungiolcs.
a. The caudex (stock) is the main body of the root.
b. The FIBRILS are the finer branches of the root, sent off
from the caudex. These arc the true roots.
c. The spoNGioLES are the tender and delicate extremities of
the fibrils; and, since the latter lengthen only by accretions
made to these extremities, these are their growing points.
143. The form of the root is much diversified in different
plants, but the principal varieties which have received distinct-
ive names, are the following : —
144. Ramose (branching). This root consists of ramifications
sent off from the main root, like the branches of a tree, but in
no determinate order. Such are the roots of most trees and
shrubs. (Fig. 20.)
a. There is a strong analogy between the roots of a tree and its branches. In
many instances they may be made to perform, each the functions of the other;
that is, the tree may be inverted, and the branches will become roots and the roots
put forth leaves like the branches. The willow and the maple may be thus
inverted without injuring their vitality.
b. A branch may often be made to put forth roots instead of leaves. If a
branch (offset) of the willow or currant (Ribes) be inserted into the ground, cither
l>y the lower or the upper end, or by both at once, it will take root .and flourish.
Other trees, as the mulberry (Morns) may be multiplied by layei-s. A branch is
bent and inserted into the ground by the apex. When it has taken root it is
severed from the parent stock, and becomes a perfect tree.
c. The roots of a tree extend in all dii-ections, and to considerable distances.
This distance is at least equal to the extent of the branches, and often much
greater. Those of the elm embrace an area of 300 feet diameter, of the poplar,
64
THE ROOT.
400. Forest trees, being less exposed to the assaults of the wind, are much less
firmly rooted than those in open situations.
145. JF'i^sz/brwi (spindle-shaped). It consists of a thick, fleshy
caiidex, tapering downwards, and also, for a short space, up-
wards. It sends off from the sides and extremity, thread-lilte
fil)rils, wliich are in fact its true roots, since they alone absorb
nourishment from the ground. Ex. parsnip, radish.
FIG. 20. — Forms of the root ; 7, branching roots of r tree ; 8, root of Daucns ; 9, Oxalis ;
10, Orchis.
a. Wlien the fusiform root di-vides into two principal branches, it is said to be
forked. Wien it tapers from the coUum downwards its whole length, it is called
a conical or tap root. But its most remarkable variety is the
b. Prcmorse, in wliich the caudex terminates abruptly below,
as if it had been bitten off (prasmorsus). This is due to the
tact that the lower extremity perishes after the first year. Ex.
Viola ]-)edata, and Scabiosa succisa.
c. The napiform (turnip-shaped) root is another variety of the
fusiform, where the upper portion swells out, so that the diame-
ter is greater than the length. Ex. turnip.
146. The fibrous root consists of numerous thread-hke divis-
ions, sent off directly from the base without any caudex. Such
are the roots of most grasses, which multiply their fibres exceed-
ingly in a fight sandy soil.
a. A fascicvlated root is a variety of the fibrous, with some of
its fibres thickened, as in the crow-foot (Ranunculus), peony,
Dahlia, of the leaf
Its first growth is straight, and it remains so until it reaches some object, wlien it
immediately mnds and coils itself about it, and thus acquires a firm, though elastic
hold. This beautiful appendage is finely exemplified in the CucurbitaceaJ and
grape, above cited; also in many species of the pea tribe (Leguminoste), where it
Is appended to the leaves.
188. The twining vine, or stem, having also a length gi-eatly disproportionate
to its diameter, supports itself on other pl.^nts or objects, by entwining itself
around them, being destitute of tendrils. Thus the hop (Ilumulus) ascends into
the air by foreign aid, and it is a curious fact that the direction of its ^vindiIlgs is
always the same, namely, with the sun, from right to left; nor can any artificial
training cause it to reverse its course. This appears to be a general law among
twining plants. Every individual plant of the same species revolves uniformly in
one direction although opposite directions may characterize diftcrent species.
Thus the Convolvulus revolves from left to right, against the sun.
189. Trunk. This is the name given to the peculiar stems
of trees. It is tlte central collum, or axis, which supports their
branching tops, and withstands the assaults of the wind by
means of the great fimmess and strength of the woody or ligne-
ous tissue in which it abounds.
a. The trunk often attains to great dimensions. The white pine (Pinus
strobus) of the American forest, with a diameter of 6 or 7 feet, sometimes attains
the height of 180, or even 200 feet, with a trunk straight, erect, and without a
branch for more than two thu-ds its length. *
* At the first establishmpnt of Dartmouth College, there was felled upon the college pl:vin a
tree of this species, measuring 210 feet in length. A Bombax of the South American forests,
measured by Humboldt, was 120 feet in height, and 15 in diameter. The Dagon tree on the
island of Teneriffe, is said to be 16 feet in diameter. Trees of the genus Adansoiiia, in Sene-
gal and the Cape Verd Islands, have been found of more than 34 feet in diameter. The
famous Chestnut tree on Mt. Etna, often mentioned by travellers, is 64 feet in diameter, and
consequently near 200 feet circumference.
76
THE STEM.
b. In regard to duration, trees differ much, some attaining their growth in a few
yeai-s and immediately decaying, while on the contrary, the ordinary age of trees
is beyond the age of man, and some outlive many generations, as the oak, pine. *
190. The SUCKER is a branch proceeding from the stem, or
root, beneath the surface, producing leaves, &c., and throwing
out roots from its own base, becoming an independent plant.
Ex. rose, raspberry.
191. An OFFSET is a short, lateral branch, terminated by a
cluster of leaves, and capable of taking root when separated
from the parent plant. Ex. house-leek (Sempervi^itm).
192. A STOLON is a branch wliich proceeds from an elevated
part of the stem, and aftenvards, descending to the earth, takes
root, sends up new shoots, and finally becomes a new plant. It
differs from the sucker, in originating above the ground and not
below it.
FIG. 21. — Forms of the stem ; 1, Fragaria; S, Vilis ; 6, tendrils; 3, cirrhose. leaf of Pisum ;
4, \^-To\a. ; 5, sucker.
193. A plurality of stems, or tntnks, is observed in a few spe-
cies of trees growing in tropical regions. The Banyan (Ficus
* It is recorded that a live oak, in Louisiana, lived 1000 years ; a sycamore in Palestine,
1050 years ; a pine in Asia Minor, 1800 years ; a cedar on Ml. Lebanon, 2120 years, and the
great chestnut on Mt. Etna, 2600 years. It is also supposed that there are yet living, In the
'• jrarden of Gcihscmane," some of the olives which wiuiessed our Saviour's passion ; and
a-. Terni, Italy, is an olive plantation supposed to have existed since the age of Pliny.
EXOGENS AND ENDOGENS. ll
Indica), aud the black Mangi-ove {Rhizophora mangle) are men-
tioned as examples of this singular conformation.
a. The former originally arises with a single trunk. From the principal
branches, when they have become so widely extended as to need additional sup-
port, long, leafless shoots are sent down. "VNTien these shoots reach the earth,
they take root, and become new trunks, in all respects similar to the first. The
branches thus supported still continue to advance, and other tninks to descend,
until a single tree becomes a grove or forest. There is, in Ilindostan, a tree of
this kind, called the Banyan, which is said by travellers to stand upon more than
3000 tmnks, and to cover an area of 7 acres. The Mangrove tree is a native of
the "West Indies. The new tninks of this tree are said to be fonned from the
seeds which germinate without becoming detached from the branches, sending
down remarkably long, tapering radicles to the earth.
^'^l. OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF THE EXOGENOUS STEM.
194. The substance of herbaceous stems is soft and succu-
lent, consisting almost wholly of cellular tissue, traversed longi-
tudinally by some few bundles (strings) of woody fibre and
vascular tissue, which diverge from the main stem into the
leaves.
195. This is essentially the stmcture of the fust year's growth
of -perennial plants also. Cellular tissue constitutes the frame-
work of the yearly shoots of the oak, as well as of the annual
pea, but in the former it becomes strengthened aud consohdated
by the deposition of ligneous fibre in subsequent years.
a. Plants differ in respect to the an'angement of these fibre.s and vessels, and in
the mode of their increase ; on this difference is based that firet grand distinction
of Phsenogamous plants into Exogens and Endogens. to wliicli allusion has
already been made (126 — 7).
196. The division of Exogens (outside growers) includes all
the trees and most of the herbaceous plants of temperate cH-
mates, and is so named because the additions to the diameter
of the stem are made eo:ternalIy to the part aheady formed.
197. The di\'ision of Endogens (inside growers), including
the grasses, and most bulbous plants of temperate regions, and
the palms, canes, &c. of the tropics, is named from the accre-
tions of the stem being made tcithin the portions alreadj'
formed.
198. In the exogenous stmcture, the stem coii-sists of the pith,
wood, and bark.
7*
78
THE STEM.
199. The PITH (medulla) occupies the central part of the
.stem. It consists of a light, spongy mass of cellular tissue, is
chiefly abundant in young plants, and appears to be serviceable
only in the earlier stages of growth. It is then pervaded by
fluids ; but as the plant advances in age, it becomes dry, being
filled u-ith air only, and much diminished in volume.
FIG. 25. — Exogcns, — oak, fir, &c. ; Endogens, palm (American), Agave, &C.
200. Immediately around the pith is formed the medullary
SHEATH, which is a tliin, dehcate membrane of vascular tissue
(33), sending oft' a portion of its spiral vessels to the stalk and
veins of each leaf This, with the leaves, is the only part of
exogenous stems which usually contains spiral vessels.
201. The WOOD is composed of concentric zones, or layers.
peiTaded and intersected by the medullary rays (204). The
first, or inner layer, together with the pith and medullary sheath,
is the product of the first year. One new layer is formed each
successive year, during the life of the plant ; hence the whole
ALBURNUM AND DURAMEN.
19
niunber of layers, if counted at the base, will correctly indicate
the age of the tree.
202. Each woody layer is composed of hgneous fibre, vasi-
form tissue, and ducts ( 33, /). The first gives strength and solid-
ity to the trunk, and determines the direction of the cleavage.
a. The ducts are always first formed and lie in the inner part next the centre,
while the fibres are produced towards the end of the season, and are deposited in
the outer parts of the zone. The former are distinguished by the large size of
their open ends, while the woody fibres are more minute and compact. This cir-
cumstance renders the limits of each layer distinctly perceptible in a cross section
of the stem.
b c d c (1 c d
FIG. 26. Sections of wood : 1 , 2, 3, horizontal, 4, 5, vertical. 1, Exogenous stem of one
year's Towth ; a, pith, 6, bark, c, medullary rays, rf, woody bundles of fibre and vessels;
2, stem of three years' growth, o, pith, e, bark, b, c, d, successive annual layers ; 4, a, pith, b,
spiral vessels of the medullary sheath, c, doited ducts, d, woody fibre, e, bark ; .3, Endogen-
ous stem, exhibiting the bundles of woody fibre, spiral vessels, and ducts, irregularly disposed
in the cellular tissue ; 5, o, cellular tissue, b, spiral vessels on inner side of c, doUed ducts, d,
woody fibre on the exterior side. 6, Laticiferous vessels of the bark.
203. The outer and more recent portion of the layers constitutes the albur-
num {albus, white), or sap-wood. This is usually of a softer structure and lighter
color than the rest of the wood, and it is through the vessels of these layers alone,
that the sap ascends. The interior layers of the albumum gradually harden by
the deposition of solid secretions in their vessels, until tliey can no longer allow
tlie passage of fluids through them. Thus the duramen (dwus, hard), or heart-
wood is formed, the texture of whicli is firm .".nd durable. It is only the dura
men which is useful in the arts.
80 THE STEM
204. The medullary rays are those fine lines which appear in
a cross section of the stem, radiating from the pith to the hark,
intersecting all the intervening layers. They consist of thin,
firm plates of cellnlar tissue ; being, like the pith, the remains of
that tissue, which at the first constituted the whole of the stem.
a. These rays are quite conspicuous in vertical sections of the oak, or the
maple, where they are sometimes called the silver grain.
205. The bark is the external covering of the stem, consisting
of several integuments, of which the outer is the epidermis (35),
that next within the cellular integument, and the inner the liber.
206. The structure of the two outer integuments is chiefly
cellular, and that of the inner, or liber, is both cellular and
woody. The celhtlar integument is very thick in Quercus
suber, and constitutes that useful substance cark. The liber
(Lat. the inner bark, hence a book, because it was manufactured
into parchment) is usually thin, delicate, and strong, and has
been often applied to useful purposes, as in those trees of Poly-
nesia from which cloth, mats, and sails are made.
207. At the end of the spring a portion of the sap, now transfoniied into a
viscid, glutinous matter called cambium, is deposited between the liber and the
wood, becomes organized into cells, and forms a new layer upon each. Soon
aftei-wards, the new layers are pei-v-aded by woody tubes and fibres, which com-
mence at the leaves and grow downwards. Thus the number of layers formed
in the bark and wood will always be equal.
a. Since the growth of the bark takes place by internal accretions, it follows
that the older layers must be can-icd outwards and continually expanded. Thus,
although smooth and entire at first, they at length become shaggy and rough,
with longitudinal furrows and ridges, and finally they are cast off", as in the hem-
lock, spiTice, walnut, &c. Not unfrcqucntly, however, the older layers are ex-
tended in horizontal grains, or fil)res, encircling the stem, as in tlie white birch
(Betula papyracea).
b. The peculiar virtues or qualities of the plant reside in the bark ratlier than
in the wood; hence this is the part chiefly used for medicine, dye^, tannin, &c.
f. That vascular system which is peculiar to the bark, scn-ing for tlie circula-
tion of its fluids, is called the laticiferous tissue (34). It exists in the fonu of a
complete network of vesseb, through wliich the sap moves in all direcrions.
§ 2. FUNCTIONS OF THE STEM.
208. We have already stated (156) that the stem serves to
convev the saji from the roots to the opposite extremities of the
plant.
" ENDOGENOUS STRUCTURE. 81
209. That portion of the stem which senses this important
purpose is the alburnum (203). Through its ducts and fibres
the sap is elevated to the leaves, with the vessels of which they
communicate. Having been there elaborated by exhalation and
decomposition into a certain nutritious fluid called latex, it de-
scends by the laticiferous tissues of the fiber. Of tlfis descend-
ing sap a part is carried inward from the bark by the medullary-
rays, and thus diflused through the whole stem ; the remainder
descends to the roots, and is in the same manner difllised
through their substance, both for thehr nourishment, and for the
pui-pose of maintaining the conditions requisite for endosmose
(159, a).
§ .5. OF THE ENDOGENOUS STRUCTURE.
210. In the endogoious stem there is no distinction of pith,
wood, and bark, nor does a cross-section exhibit any concentric
arrangement of annual layers. (Fig. 26; 3, 5.)
211. It is composed of the same tissues and vessels as that
of the exogen, that is, of ceUular tissue, woody fibre, spiral ves-
sels, and ducts; the fii-st existing equally in all parts of the
stem, and the rest imbedded in it in the form of bundles.
212. Each bundle consists of one or more ducts, with spiral
vessels adjoining their inner side next the centre of the stem,
and woody fibres on then- outer side, as in the exogen.
a. A new set of these bundles is formed annually, or oftener, proceeding from
the leaves and passing downwards in the central parts of the stem, where the cel-
lular tissue is most abundant and soft. After descending awhile in this manner,
they turn outwards, and interlace themselves with those which were pre-viously
formed. Hence the lower and outer portions of the pahns, and other endogens,
become exceedingly dense and hard, even so as to resist the stroke of the axe.
82 THE LEAF.
CHAPTEU XII.
THE LEAF.
213. The leaf constitutes the verdure of plants, and is by far
the most conspicuous and beautiful object in the scenery of
nature. It is also of the highest importance in tlie vegetable
economy, being the organ of digestion and respiration.
214. The leaf is characterized by a thin and expanded form,
presenting the largest possible surface to the action of the uir
and the light, which agents are indispensable to the life and in-
crease of the plant.
215. The color of the leaf is almost universally green, wliicli
of all colors is the most agreeable to the eye ; but its intensity
varies by infinite shades, and is often finely contrasted vi-ith the
more delicate tints of the flower. Towards maturity its verdure
is changed, often to the most brilliant hues, as red, crimson,
orange, yellow, giving our autumnal forest scenery a gaiety,
variety, and splendor of coloring, which the wildest fancy could
scarcely surpass.
a. The color of the leaf is due to minute globules, or gi-ains, called chlorophyll
{;^reen leaf), adhering to the insides of the cells, just beneath the cuticle, aiid
composed of carbon and hydrogen, with a small proportion of oxygen. Their
change of color in autumn, is stated by Macaire to depend upon their oxydation.
As the leaves in autumn absorb more oxygen by night than they evolve liy day,
an excess is gradually added to the chlorophyll, which changes the green iirst to
vellow, then to orange, red, and crimson successively, according to the quantity
absorbed. The same effect may be produced by acids.
b. As flowers are modifications of leaves, it is probable that their various and
splendid coloring is due to the same source, namely, the modifications of the
chlorophyll by various degrees of oxydation, or by the presence of acids or alka-
lies in the cells.
§1. VERNATION.
216. A leaf-bud contains a collection of undeveloped leaves,
folded together in such a manner as to occupy the least possible
space. The particular manner in which the young leaves are
folded in the bud, varies in different species, and is called ver-
nation.
ARRANGEMENT.
83
a. The vernation of the leaf is exliibited in a most interesting manner, by
making, mth a keen instrument, a cross-section of the bud in its swollen state)
just before its expansion ; or it may be well observed by removing the scales.
217. The forms of vernation are mostly similar to those of aestivation (108),
and arc expressed by similar terms. Some of the principal are the following :
FIG. 27. — Forms of venialion. The numbers agree
with llie corresponding paragraphs.
1. Equitant, overlapping each
other in a parallel manner, vdth-
out any involution, as in the
leaves of the Iris.
2. Obvobite, one of the margins
of each leaf interior and the
other exterior to the margin of
the leaf opposite. Ex. sage.
3. Involute, having the edges
rolled inwards. Ex. apple, \'iolet.
4. Rcvolute, the margins rolled outwards or backwards. Ex. ^villow, rosemary.
5. Convolule, the leaf wholly rolled up from one of its sides, as in the cherry.
6. Plaited, each leaf folded like a fan. Ex. vine, birch.
7. Circiiiaic, when rolled downwards from the apex. Ex. sundew, fern.
§ 2. ARRANGEMENT.
218. In regard to their insertion upon the axis, the an-ange-
ment of the young leaves in the bud is nearly or quite circular,
but by the development of the axis, tliis arrangement is modi-
fied in various ways, and the leaves are then said to be
1. Scattered, or irregular, as in the potatoe.
2. Alternate, one above the other, on opposite sides. Ex. pea.
3. Opposite, two against each other at the same node (172).
Ex. Hydrangia.
4. Verticillate, or whorled, more than two in a circle at each
node. Ex. meadow lily.
5. Fasciculate, or tufted, in crowded whorls, or spires. Ex.
Callitriche.
219 We have formerly shown how some of these modes of arrangement may
be reconciled with the spiral (174, a), and we here add, diat, in general, when the
leaves are said to be scattered or alternate, they will be found, by the attentive
observer, to be strictly, though perhaps u-regularly, spiral ; — always so in the
annual shoot.
a. Thus in the potato-vine, above cited, or in the house-leek, poplar, &c., if we
commence at the lower leaf, and draw a line to the next above it, thence to the
next and so on to the sixth leaf, we shall have gone just once around the stem,
84 THE LEAF.
describing one turn of an elongated spire, so that each sixth leaf only is placed
exactly above the first.
b. In the strictly alternate arrangement, we shall have made one complete turn
on arriving at every third leaf. But this is rare. More commonly the third leaf
is a little to the right or left of the perpendicular line on which tlie first is in-
serted, so that several turns must be made before we anive at one wliich is
exactly in that line.
c. The opposite, or whorled, arrangement may be referred to the non-develop-
ment of some of the intemodes ; but a better theory is that which supposes seve-
ral coordinate spires arising side by side: two, -when the leaves are opposite, and
three, or more, when they are whorled. For the leaves of the second pair, or
whorl, are never placed exactly above those of the first, but above theii- intervening
spaces, in accordance with the alternation of the petals -wiih the sepals, &c. (61, fc).
220. In regard to their position upon the plant, leaves are
radical, when they grow out of the stem at or beneath the sur-
face of the ground, so as to appear to grow from the roots ; cau-
line, when they grow from the stem, and ramial {ramus, a
branch) when from the branches.
§ 3. ORGANOGRAPHY.
221. A leaf may be regarded as an expansion of the two
outer integuments of the bark (205) extended into a broad, thin
surface by a woody framework, or skeleton, proceeding from the
medullary sheath (200). This broadly expanded part is called
the LAMINA, or BLADE of the leaf, and it is either sessile, that is,
connected to the stem by its base, or it is petiolate, connected to
the stem by a foot-stalk called the petiole.
222. The petiole, therefore, where it exists, is the unexpanded
part of the leaf, but like the claws of the petiils (102), it is not
an essential part, and is often wanting. Its form is rarely cylin-
dric, but is usually flattened or channeled on the upper side. It
^is said to be
I
• 1. Coynpressed, when it is flattened in a vertical direction, so
that it is agitated by the shghtest breath of air, as in the aspen
(Populus).
2. Winged (margined), when it is flattened or expanded later-
ally into a border. Ex. orange.
3. Anvplexicaid (sheathing), when it is dilated at the base into
a margin which embraces or surrounds the stem, as in the Um-
bclliferte.
223. The lamina is generally of a rounded oval outline, longer
than wide, with equal sides but unequal ends. It is, how-ever,
subject to variety almost infinite in this respect. The end of
the blade next the stem is the base, and that most remote, the
apex.
224. A leaf is simjjle when its blade consists of a single piece,
however cut, cleft, or divided ; and compound when it consists
of several distinct blades, supported by as many branches of a
compound petiole.
225. The frame-work, or skeleton, of the lamina above men-
tioned, consists of the ramifying vessels of the petiole, while the
lamina itself is, of course, parenchyma (29, 221).
226. The manner in wliich the veins are divided and distrib-
uted, is termed venation. The organs of venation are, as they
are called, the midrib, nerves, and veins; distinctions which musr.
be regarded as purely arbitraiy, since there is no diiFerence in
their functions, but only in their size.
227. The midrib, or casta, is the principal prolongation of the
petiole, running directly through the midst of the leaf to the
apex. If several such ribs of nearly equal size radiate from the
base, they are called nerves, and the leaf is said to be three-
nerved, five-nerved, &c.
228. The primary divisions sent off from the midrib, or nerves,
are properly the veins. (In descriptive botany, however, the
terms nerves and veins are too often used indiscriminately.)
The secondary divisions, or the branches of the veins, are called
veinlets.
229. There are three principal modes of venation which are, in general, char-
acteristic of the three grand divisions of the vegetable kingdom.
1st. Reticulate or net veined, as in Exogens. The petiole is
prolonged into the leaf in the form of the midrib, or several pri-
mary branches, dividing and subdividing into branchlets, which
unite again, and by their frequent inosculations fonn a kind of
network. Ex. maple, bean.
2nd. Parallel-veined, as in Endogens. In this kind of vena-
tion the veins are all parallel, whether proceeding from the base
of the leaf to the apex, or sent off laterally from the midrib, and
86 THE LEAF.
are always connected by simple transverse veinlets. Ex. grass,
lily.
1 2 3 4
FIG. 28. — Forms of venation. J, 2, Exogens ; 3, Endogen ; 4, acrogen.
3cl. Forked-veined, as in the Ciyptogo.mia, when the veins
divide and subdivide by forked divisions wliich do not unite
again. Ex. ferns.
230. Of the first Idnd of venation, the reticulate, there are two varieties which
desenc the most careful attention. The fealhcr-vdned and the radiate-veined.
1. The feather-veined leaf is that in which the venation con-
sists of a midrib, giving off at intervals lateral veins with
branching veinlets. Ex. beech, chestnut.
2. In the radiate-veined, the venation consists of several
nerves (ribs) of nearly equal size, radiating from the base
towards the circumference, each with its own system of veins
and veinlets. Ex. maple, crow-foot.
3. In parallel venation, the veins are either straight, as in the
linear leaf of the grasses, curved, as in the oval leaves of tlie
Orchis, or transverse, as in the Canna, Calla, &c.
§4. FORM OR FIGURE.
231. That infinite variety of beautiful and graceful forms for which the leaf is
distinguished, becomes intelligible to the student only when viewed in connection
with its venation. Since it is through the veins alone that nutriment is conveyed
for the development and extension of the parenchj-ma, it follows that there -vvill
be the greatest extension of outline where the veins are largest and most numer-
ous. Consequently, the fonn of the leaf will depend upon the direction of the
veins, and the vigor of their action, in developing the intervening tissue. For
this interesting II1C017 we are indebted to Alphonse Dc Candolle.
a. In onr description of indii-idual forms, we shall select only the most remark-
able, leaving others for explanation in the Glossary.
The most obvious arrangement is that which is founded upon the modes of the
veining ; but it should be premised that different forms of venation often give rise
to the same outline.
232. Of FEATHER-VEINED leaves, the following forms depend
upon the length of the veins in relation to each other, and to the
midrib. If the middle veins are longer than the rest, the leaf
will be
1, Orbicular (roundish), as in Pyrdla rotundifolia.
FIG. 29. — Figures of featlier-veined leaves. The numbers refer to paragraplis. a, deUate
leaf of Populus.
2. Elliptical (oval), as in Lespedeza prostrata; or
3. Oblong (narrow-oval). Ex. Pyrola umbellata.
If the lower veins are longer than the rest, the leaf mil be
4. Ovate (egg-shaped), as in the JNIitchella repens, or
5. Lanceolate (lance-shaped), nan-ow, and tapering to each
end. Ex. sweet-william.
When the veins are most developed towards the summit of
the leaf, it becomes
6. Obovate (inversely egg-shaped), as in the walnut; or
7. Spathulate (shaped hke a spathula), as in the daisy.
Again, if the lowest veins are longest, sending oft" veinlets
backwards, the leaf will be
8. Cordate (heart-shaped), hke the ovate form, wnith a hollow
(sinus) at the base, as in the hlac.
9. Auriculaie, having ear-shaped lobes at the base. Ex.
sage.
S3
THE LEAF.
10. Hastate (halbert-shapecl), hollowed out at the base and
.sides. Ex. Bitter-sweet.
11. Sagittate (arrow-shaped), with pointed, descending lobes
at base. Ex. Polygonum sagittatum ; Sagittaria ; &c.
12. Reniform (kidney-shaped), broad, rounded at the apex,
and hollowed at the base, as in the Asarum Canadense.
a. The following forms depend less upon the proportion of
the veins than upon the imperfect development of the tissue
between them.
FIG. 30. — 12 — 16, figures of feather- veined leaves, the remainder of radiale-veiiied.
13. Runcinatc (re-uncinate), having the margin extended at
the veins into pointed segments, which curve backwards. Ex.
Taraxacum.
14. Lyrate (lyi-e- shaped), with several deep, rounded sinuses,
occasioned by deficiency of tissue between the lower veins. Ex.
water-cress ( Sisymbrium).
15. Pinnatifid (feather-cleft), with deep sinuses between all
the veins, separating each margin of the leaf into oblong, par-
allel segments. Ex. Lepidium.
16. Sinuate, having deep, rounded openings between the
M?ins, as seen in the leaves of the white oak.
233. Eadiate-veined leaves assume many forms, depending
upon the direction of the veins, and the quantity of the inter-
Acning tissue. Some of them are the following.
17. Palm ate (palm-shaped), having five lobes, with as many
ncn-es (227) separated by deep divisions, so as to resemble the
palm of the hand with the fingers. Ex. passion-flower.
PARALLEL-VEINED LEAVES.
89
18. Digitate (finger-shaped), having narrower and deeper
segments than the pahiiate, as in the hemp.
19. Pedate (foot-shaped). The same as palmate, except that
the two lateral lobes are themselves subdivided, as in the
peony and passion-flower.
20. Laciniate (gashed), the nei-ves and veins all separate, as if
the blade were cut and gashed with scissors. Ex. Ranunculus.
21. Peltate (shield-like)-, the nerves radiating in all directions,
and all connected by intervening tissue. This form is gener-
ally also orbicular, and appears to result from the union of the
base-lobes. Ex. Podophyllum peltatum, Tropeolun^, Brasenia.
22. Rcmform, broad-ovate, broad- cor date, &c., may also rcsuh
from the radiate veining.
234. The form of parallel-veined leaves is less diversified
than that of the preceding classes, being
23. Linear, when the veins (or nerves) are straight, as in the
grasses. This form may also occur in the feather-veined leaf
by an equal development of all the veins, as in the Linaria vul-
firaris, &c.
FIG. 31. 23, 24, 25, figures of leaves with parallel veins ; 2 — 10. margins of leaves.
24. Oval, lanceolate, oblong, or some kindred form, when the
veins are cur\^ed, as in Carex, Cypripedium, Orchis, &c., or it
may be
25. Cordate, when some of the lower veins are cun^ed back-
wards and then upwards, as in Pontaderia, and even sagittate,
when they are directed downwards at the base, as in the Sagit-
taria.
8*
90 THE LEAF.
26 Acerose (needle-shaped), when there is Httle or no distinc-
tion of lamina, petiole, or veins, as in the leaves of the pine.
} 5. MARGIN.
235. The margin of the leaf is also modified chiefly by the
same causes which afiect the form. It is said to be
1. Entire, \\\\Qn even-edged. This may result from the full development of the
tissue, or from a nerve running parallel M'ith the margin. Ex. lilac, lily.
2. Dentate (toothed), the tissue incomplete, having teeth with concave edges,
pi>inting out^vurds from the centre. Ex. liawkweed. If the teeth are very fine,
the margin is said to be denticulate. If the teeth are themselves toothed, it is
iljuhhj dentate.
3. Senate, having shai-p teeth pointing forward like the teeth of a saw. Ex.
Rosa. If the serratures are very small, it is serrulate. If they are themselves
serrate, it is doubly serrate.
4. Crenate, notclied with rounded or convex teeth, as in Glechoma. If such
notches are very small, it is crenulate.
5. Erosc (gnawed), having the margin irregularly tootlied, or jagged, as if
bitten by animals.
G. Undulate (wavy), the margin rising and falling- like waves. Ex. Amaranthus.
7. Sjnnous, when the veins project far beyond the tissue in sharp spines, as in
the thistle. Such leaves are said to be armed, and tlie opposite corresponding
term is tmaimed.
8. Incised (cut), margin divided by deep incisions.
9. Ladniate (torn), divided by deep and irregular gashes.
10. Crisped, margin much expanded and curled by a superabundance of tisene,
s.i in the mallows.
11. iifp.a)!^!?, having the margin slightly concave between the projecting veins.
Ex. Solanum nigrum.
§G. APEX.
23G. In regard to the termination of a leaf at its apex, it is
said to be
1. Acute, when it ends with an acute angle.
2. Obtuse, when it ends with a segment of a circle.
3. Acuminate, ending with a long, tapering point.
4. Emarginate, having a small notch at the end.
.*■). Retusc, terminating with a round end, having the centre depressed.
6. Kucronale, abruptly terminated by a short, haid, bristly point &c.
}7. SURFACE.
237. The following terms are employed in descriptive botany,
chiefly to denote the modifications of the sm-face (epidermis)
LEAFLETS.
91
of the leaf. They are, however, equally applicable to the sur-
face of any other organs. (41, a.)
1. Glabrous, smooth ; denoting the absence of all hairs or bristles. Hydrangea.
2. Pubescent, covered with soft hairs or down. LoniceraXylosteum.
3. Rough, with hard, short, even points. Borago officinalis.
4. Pilose, with short, weak, thin hairs. Pmnella vulgaris.
5. Hoary, white, with very short, dense hairs. Gnaphaliiim.
6. Villose, with long, thin hairs. Solidago altissima.
7. Woolly, with long, dense, matted hairs. Mullein.
8. TomeiUosc, with dense, short, and rather rigid hairs. Spirea tomentosa.
9. Rugose, the tissue between the reticulated veins convex, from its superabnn-
dance. Sage.
10. Punctate, dotted with peUucid glands (44, a). Hypericum punetatum.
* ^9. COMPOUND LEAVES.
FIG. 32. — Compound leaves. 4, Trifoliate loaves ; a, pinnately, as of the bean ; b, pnl-
mately, clover.
238. When a simple leaf becomes a compo^md one, the divis-
ion takes place upon the same principle as the separation of an
entire leaf into segments, lobes, and teeth, namely, from a defi-
ciency of parenchyma; the number and arrangement of the
leaflets will therefore, in like manner, depend upon the mode of
veining.
239. The divisions of a compound leaf are called leaflets,
and the same distinctions of outline, margin, &:c., occur in tht-m
as in simple leaves. Li the truly compound leaf, each leaflet
92 THE LEAF.
(which is usually supported on a distinct stalk), is articulated
(articula, a joint), with the main petiole, and separates from it
iu decay.
240. From the feather veined arrangement may result the
following forms of compound leaves :
1. Pinnate (winged), where the petiole (midrib) bears a row
of leaflets on each side, generally equal in number and oppo-
site, as in the Acacia.
2. A pinnate leaf is said to be equally pinnate where the
petiole is terminated by neither leaflet nor tendiil, as the Cassia
Marilandica, and unequally pinnate when it is terminated by an
odd leaflet or by a tendril. Ex. rose, locust, pea. In the latter
case the leaf is called cirrhose.
3. An interruptedly pinnate leaf has the leaflets alternately
small and large, as in the potato, avens.
4. A pinnate leaf sometimes consists of as many as twenty or
thirty pairs of leaflets, as in the Astragalus. Sometimes the
number of leaflets is but three, and the leaf becomes ternate or
trifoliate, as in the ash ; and, finally, it is sometimes, by the non-
development of the pinna (pairs) reduced to a single terminal
leaflet, as in the lemon. Such a leaf is known to be compound
by the articulation of the leaflet to the petiole.
5. A bipinnatc leaf (twdce pinnate), is fomied when the leaf-
lets of a pinnate leaf themselves become pinnate. Ex. Fuma-
ria officinalis.
6. A tripinnate leaf (tluice pinnate), is formed when the leaf-
lets of a bipinnate leaf become pinnate, Ex. Aralia spinosa. In
the leaf of the honey-locust ( Gleditschia), we sometimes find all
these three degrees of division, namely, the pinnate, bipinnate,
and tripinnate, curiously combined, illustrating the gradual tran-
sition of the simple to the most compound leaf
7. A hiternate leaf is formed when the leaflets of the tcmate
leaf become themselves ternate, as in Fumaria lutea.
8. A triternate leaf is formed when the leaflets of a hiternate
leaf become again ternate. Ex. Aquilegia.
241. The following forms of compound leaves may result
from the division of a radiate-veined leaf; the ternate, hiternate,
itc, already mentioned ;
ASCIDIA, STIPULES, AND BRACTS.
93
9. Quinate, when there are five leaflets radiating from the
same point of the petiole, as in Potentilla argentea.
10. Septinate, when there are seven leaves from the same
point in the petiole, and so on.
242. With regard to insertion, the leaf is said to be
1. Amplexicaul, when its base surrounds or clasps the stem.
12 4 3 5
FIG. 33. — Modes of insertion.
2. Perfoliate, when the base lobes of an amplexicaul leaf are
united together, so that the stem appears to pass through the
leaf
3. Decurrent, when the base lobes of the leaf grow to the
stem below the point of insertion, so that the leaf seems to run
doumicards (Lat. decurro).
4. Connate, when the bases of two opposite leaves are united.
5. Stellate, verticillate, or whorled, when several leaves are
arranged around the stem at the same node.
243. It is often found necessary, in the description of a plant, to combine two
or more of the terms above mentioned, to express some intennediate figure or
quality ; thus ovate-laiv.eolale, signifying between ovate and lanceolate, &c.
a. The Latin preposition sub (under), prefixed to a descriptive term, denotes
the quality which the tenn expresses, in a lower degree, as subscssile, nearly ses-
sile, sv.bserratc, somewhat serrate, &c.
§9. ASCIDIA, STIPULE.S, AND BRACTS.
244. In the teazel (Dipsacus) of our own fields, and in the Tillandsia, or wild
pine of South America, there are hollows at the point of union between the leaf-
stalk and the stem, capable of holding a considerable amount of water. The
midrib and petiole of the leaves of the Arum, also, ai-e channeled out in such a
manner as to convey water to the axil.
245. But the most remarkable of all leaves are those which are ho31o=H^ out
into the form of pitchers, called ascidia. 'ijiiW"
a. In the Sarracenia, a plant common in our own peat-bogs, these pitchers are
evidently formed by the very deep channeling of the petiole, and the uniting
together of the involute edges of its winged margin so as to form a complete
vase, wiih a broad expan-sion at the top, which may be regarded as the true leaS.
94
THE LEAF.
The ascidia thus formed are always full of water, in which insects are clro\\Tied.
being prevented from escaping by the deflexed hairs at the mouth.
246. The Nepenthes is a native of tlie East Indies. Its proper leaves are ses-
sile and lanceolate. The midrib extends beyond the apex, like a tendril, to the
length of six or eight inches. The extremity of this tendril is inflated into a hol-
low vessel similar to a pitcher, and usually contains about half a pint of pure
■water. It is furnished with a leafy lid, connected to it by a ligament which ex-
pands or contracts according to the state of the atmospliere, so that the cup is
open in damp weather to receive moisture from the air, and closed in dry wcathei-
to prevent its evaporation.
FIG. 34. — Ascidia. 1, Sarraceiiia purpurea ; 2, Nepenllies distillatoria ; 3, Dischidia R:if-
flesiana.
247. Another wonderful provision of this kind is observed in a plant growing
in the forests of India, called Dischidia. It is a twining plant, ascending the tall
trees to the distance of 100 feet from its roots, and destitute of leaves except near
its top. These cannot, therefore, it would seem, derive much nourishment from
the earth. The pitchers seem fonncd of a leaf with its edges rolled towards eacli
otlier, and adlierent, and its upper end, or mouth, is open to receive ■whatever
moisture may descend into it, of which there is always a considcraTjle quantity.
But the greatest marvel in its structure is yet to be described. Several bundles
of absorbent fibres, resembling roots (142, b), are sent out from the nearest parts
of the stem and enter the pitchers and spread tliemselves through the cavity.
The design of this apparatus scarcely needs be mentioned.
248. The leaf of Venus' fly-trap (Diontea muscipula), native at the south, is
al.so of a very curious eonstniction. At the extremity of each leaf are tAvo lobes,
bordered with spines. In the cavity between the lobes are several sharp points
projecting upwards, and a gland which secretes a liquor atti-active to insects. But
when an unlucky fly, in searcli of food, alights upon it, the irritable lobes instantly
close and impale him in their fatal embrace.
249. Stipules are certain leaf-like expansions situated on
each side of the petiole, at its base. They are membraiioiLs,
leathery, or spiny. They do not occur in every plant, bnt are
pretty uniformly present in each plant of the same natural order
Ex. pea, rose, Viola tricolor.
250. Stipules ai-e generally supposed to be accessory kavcs, although their
INVOLUCRE.
9-3
nature is certainly obscure. Tliey are subject to the same laws of venation and
form, perform the same functions, and are sometimes almost undistinguishable
from the leaves themselves. They also (very rarely) develop buds in their axils.
a. When they grow from the stem itself, they may, therefore, be regarded as
rudimentary haves, but when from the base of the petiole, as is most common,
they are the undeveloped leaflets of a pinnate leaf, as in the I'ose.
251. When leaves are furnished with stipules they are said
to be stvpulale, and when without them they are exstipulate.
Tlie stipules which are situated at the base of leaflets are called
siipcls.
FIG. 35. — Stipules, Bracts, &c. 1, a, stipule of grass ; 2, 6, of rose ; .3, c, bract of Tilia ;
4, d, of a Campanula ; 5, Slum, a, involucre, c, iuvolucel ; G, Cornus Canadensis, a, colored
involucre, c, flowers ; 7, Arum, a spathe, c, spadix.
252. Bracts, called also fioral leaves, are leaf-like append-
ages, intermediate between leaves and the floral organs. From
leaves they are generally distinguished by their being placed
near the flower, their smaller size, their difference in form, and
often in color.
253. That bracts are of the same nature as leaves is perfectly evident, for so
^•adtial is the transition between them tliat no absolute limits can be assigned.
That tliey have a common oj-igin with the sepals of the cah'x also, is equally evi-
dent,— so imperceptibly do the latter pass into bracts; affording one of the
strongest proofs of the doctrine of floral metamorphosis.
a. Bracts have received different names, according to tlieir arrangement and
situation. They constitute an
254. Involucre, when they are arranged in a whorl, and snr
round several flowers. In the Phlox, and generally, it is green,
96- THE LEAF.
but sometimes, as in the Cornus, it is colored like petals. Situ-
ated at the base of a compound umbel (305, a) it is called a
general involucre, at the base of a partial umbel a partial invo-
lucre, or involucel, both of which are seen in the Umbelliferas.
255. In the Compositse the involucre consists of imbricated bracts, often in
several whorls sun-ounding the base of the heads (compound flowers), as the
calyx surrounds a simple flower.
256. In the grasses, the bracts subsist under the common name of husk or
chaff, to which is attached the awn or beard. The bracts situated at the base of a
spikelet of flowers, are called the glume, coiTesponding to the involucre. Those
situated at the base of each separate flower are ■palcm, answering to the calyx, or
corolla. The pieces, of which each glume or palea is composed (generally two),
are called valves.
§10. DURATION.
257. Leaves, althougli so universal an accompaniment of vegetation, are only
temporary appendages. They rapidly attain their growth, and in a great ma-
jority of cases flourish but a single season, at the end of whicli they perish,
alUiough the plant on which they grew may continue to flourish for ages. To
mark their duration more accurately, leaves are said to be
1. Fugacious, when they fall oflp early, before the end of summer.
2. Deciduous, when they endure for a single season and fall in autumn.
3. Persistent, or evergreen, when they remain through all seasons, retaining their
color until the new leaves of the following spring appear, so that the plant is
always verdant. In accordance with the last two distinctions, plants are said to
be DECIDUOUS, or evergreen.
238. The fall of the leaf in temperate climates, occurs near the end of autumn,
and mai-ks an important era in the year. The first symptoms of decay are seen
in the changes of color from green to various shades of gold and crimson. The.«e
gorgeous hues, gradually fading, at length give place to a pale russet, the com-
mon color of the faded leaf.
259i Defoliation, or the separation of the leaf from the stem, is due to several
causes. During the latter part ofthe summer, the vessels become clogged by the
deposition of earthy and solid, matter contained in the sap, until they can no lon-
ger admit the free circulation of the fluids through them. The whole structure
consequently loses its vitality, dries up, and withers, and is finally cast oif at tlie
point of articulation, as a dead part is from the living body of an animal.
HI. PHYSIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE.
260. Since the frame-work of the leaf is merely a divergent
portion of the medullaiy sheath (200), it must consist essentially
of the same tissues, namely, spiral vessels accompanied by
woody fibre, that is, fihro-vascular tissue.
PHYSIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE.
97
a. The tissue of the lamina, iii hke manner, must essentially
correspond with the outer integuments of the bark, of which it
is but an extension. That peculiar form of cellular tissue of
which it is composed is called parenchyma.
261. The parenchyma of the leaf exists in two layers, as
might be inferred from the manner in which it is produced
(221). In all those leaves which are ordinarily horizontal in
position, one surface being upwards and the other downwards,
these two layers are dissimilar in structure ; but m those leaves
where the lamina is vertical, as in the iris, they do not mate-
rially differ.
a. The whole structure is, of course, clothed with the epi-
dermis.
262. The internal structure of the p.ai-enchjTna is more complicated than would
be at first supposed. A powerful microscope is necessary for its examination.
Let an exceedingly thin ■paring be taken from a vertical section of the lamina
and submitted to the solar (or compound) microscope, in such a manner that the
rays shall pass from section to section. Fig. 36 represents a magnified view of
such a paring of the leaf of the lily, which may be regarded as characteristic of
leaves in general.
FIG. 36. — 1, Magnified section of a leaf of the li!j' ; 2, of the epiJermis with sloraata.
263. The upper surface (a, o) is thus seen to consist of tlie flattened cells of tb.e
epidermis, an-ang^d in a single layer. Just beneath tliis (6, 6) is the more com-
pact part of the parenchyma, consisting of a layer of oblong cells placed in such a
position that their longer a.xis is perpendicular to the leaf's surface. Next below
we meet wth the parenchyma of the lower surface (c, c), composed of oblong
cells arranged longitudinally, and so loosely compacted as to leave larger empty
spaces between. Lastly, we find again the epidermis {d^d) of the under surface
with stomata (f, e), opening into air-chambers.
a. Within all the vesicles of the parenchyma are seen adhering to the walls,
the green globules (chlorophyll) which give color to the parenchyma, — dark
9
98 THE LEAF.
green above, where it is more compact ; but paler beneath, where the cells are
more loose and separate.
264. The empty spaces between the cells, called intercellular, communicate
with the external air by means of the stomata (37—39), which are generally
found only in the lower suiface. In those leaves, however, whose position is nat- >
urally vertical instead of horizontal, stomata are found equally on both surfacCB.
In other leaves, as in the Nymphaja, they are found upon, the upper surface alone,
the lower being in contact with the surface of the water.
265. The vessels of the latex (34) arc distributed through the under layer of the
parenchyma. These are prolongations of the ramified veins, which, having
reached tlic edge of the leaf, double back upon themselves, pervade the lower sur-
face, and arc again collected into the petiole, through which they are finally
returned into the bark.
266. A singular structure occurs in the Oleander of Barbary, and other plants
of hot and arid regions. The epidermis on the upper surface is double and very
com]3act, and there are few if any stomata on the lower surface, their places
being supi)Iied by cavities within its substance, opening outwards by a small aper-
ture, and covered within by minute hairs. These peculiarities are adapted to the
TOnditions of the air and soil in which the Oleander flourishes. The hairs absorb
moisture from the air, which the cavities readily retain, while the double epider-
mis cflcctually restrains its evaporation.
§ 12. OF tup: functions of leaves
267. These are exhalation, ahsor2ition, respiration, and diges-
tion, and the residt of their combined action is the conversion
of the crude sap, absorbed from the soil by the roots, into the
proper juice or latex, for the nourishment and increase of the
plant, with its various products.
2G8. The crude sap consists of water holding in solution
minute quantities of various kinds of solid and gaseous matter
derived from the soil. In its passage from the root to the
leaves, its composition is somewhat modified by dissolving the
previously formed secretions, which it meets with on its way.
269. Exhalation is the process by which the superabundant
water of the sap is given off to the atmosphere, so that the re-
mahiing sap is reduced, as it wore, by co7iccnt)%tion, and con-
tains a greater proportion of solid matter. It is analogous to
perspiration in animals.
270. It is to be distinguished from evaporation; the latter
depending solely upon heat and the state of the air, and being,
in plants, almost wholly restrained by the epidermis.
271. Exhalation appears to take place through the stomata
RESPIRATION. 99
alone. But since these are opened by the influence of the light
and closed in its absence, it follows that exhalation can proceed
only in the presence of the light (155).
a. If a plate of glass be held near the uiuler surface of an active leaf of tho
Hydrangea, in a still air, it will soon be covered with dew ; but if the experiment
be repeated by holding the glass over the upper surface, it will remain dry.
Again, if the light be suddenly excluded from the plant in a state of active
growth, it will immediately cease to transpire, whatever be the temperature ; and
if the stomata be then examined they will be found closed.
272. That exhalation and absorption by the roots are mutually dependent upon
eachother, has already been stilted (155). The quantity of fluid discharged by
the former may therefore be inferred from that of the latter. This has also been
confirmed by experiment. A sunflower 3^ feet high, was ascertained by Hales
to transpire from 20 to 30 oz. of water daily; a cabbage from 15 to 25 oz., &c.
Experiments have also been made upon single leaves, recently plucked, with the
petiole immersed in water. Thus a leaf of the sunflower, weighing 31 grains,
absorbed and exhaled its own weight of water in 6 hours.
273. Absorption is primarily the office of the roots (154), but
in certain circumstances it is performed by the leaves also.
a. Wlicn the roots are imperfect, or wanting, or serve merely to fix the plant
in its position, as in some aerial parasites, and in some of the Orchidacea?, it is
evident that the i)lant must derive its nourishment chiefly from the absoi-ption
performed by the leaves. Experiment also proves that the leaves of plants in
general are capable of this function. Every one knows how plants, when parched
and withered by drought, are revived by a shower which does not reach their
roots, but only moistens their leaves.
274. The lower surface of the leaf appears to be chiefly instrumental in absorp-
tion. This is readily shown by experiment. Leaves with their lower surfaces in
contact with the water, remain fresh much longer than others with their upper
surfaces thus placed. Leaves of the white mulberry, with the upper surface only
in contact with water, faded in six days, while others, reversed in position, lasted
as many months.
275. Respiration in plants is analogous to respiration, or
breatJmig, in animals. In both it is equally constant and equally
necessary. It is performed principally by the leaves, but is not
confined to them, being partially performed by other parts also,
even by the roots.
276. Pvespiration consists of the absorption of oxygen from
the atmosphere, accompanied by the evolution of carbonic acid.
a. This process must not be confounded with another which occurs, of a cciv
tntfy nature, treated of under the head of digestion.
100 THE LEAF.
277. Respiration appears to be going on constantly, by day
and by night, during the life of the plant, even while it is act-
ively engaged in the contravening process of the fixation of car- ^
bon. The result of it is, the removal of a certain superfluous "
])ortion of carbon, in a state of combination with oxygen,* from
the nutritive substances of the plant, just as the same deleteri-
ous acid is removed from the blood of animals by breatliing.
278. Let a few healthy phints be placed under a bell-glass containing air from
^vliich all the carbonic acid lias been previously removed. After a few hours
let the air be tested by shaking it with lime-water, and it will be found to contain
carbonic acid, rendering the lime-water turbid. This effect will be produced,
Y'hether the ])ell-glass stand in the sunshine or in darkness, but the quantity of
acid evolved will be found to be much greater in the darkness.
279. E,espiration is carried on with peculiar activity during
the two periods of germination and fioioering.
a. In gennination pure oxygen is absorbed, either from the air or water, or
both, in the absence of light (1-33, rf), and returned to the air combmed -with the
si'.pei-fluous carbon of the starch, wliich thus is converted into sugar for the nour-
ishment of the young plant.
h. It is also equally active at the time of flowering, a large quantity of oxygen
being converted into carbonic acid by the flower. By tliis process it seems that
the starch previously contained in the disk (107), or receptacle (59), is changed
into .«;accharinc matter for the nutrition of the pollen and ovules (70,81), the
superfluous portion flowing off in the fonn of honey. And it has been ascer-
iained that the quantity of oxygen evolved bears a direct proportion to the devel-
cpment of the disk, t
280. The life of the plant depends upon the continuance of respiration, for if it
be surrounded by an atmosphere with too gi-eat a proportion of carbonic acid, or
in a confined portion of air, which has become vitiated by its own action, and fx-
clvied from the light, its respiration is necessarily soon suspended, and it speedily
])erishes.
281. DioESTiox, in plants, consists properly of all those
changes efteeted by the leaves in rendering the cmde sap fit for
tiie purposes of nutrition. But that process which is more par-
* Carbonic acid is composed of 0 parts (by weight) of carbon, combined with 16 parts of
oxygen.
t Thus Saussiire found that the flower of the Arum, wliile in bud, consumed 5 or 6 times its
own volume of oxygen in 24 hours ; during the expansion of the flower, 30 times, and during
i-a withering, 5 limes. When the floral envelopes were removed, he found that the quantity
of oxygen consumed by the stamens and pistils in 24 hours, was, in one instance, 132 times
I'leir own bulk.
CARBON.
101
ticularly described under the head of digestion, consists in the
decomposition of carbonic acid by the green tissues of the leaves,
under the stimulus of the light, the fixation of the solid carbon,
qaid the evolution of pure oxygen.
282. Carbon is one of the principal ingredients in the vegetable structure. The
chief source from which plants obtain it is the atmosphere, which always contains
it in the form of carbonic acid, evolved by combustion, by the respiration of ani-
mals, from the earth, &c.
o. ' Now if we place some fresh leaves in an inverted bell-glass, containing air
charged with 7 or 8 per cent, of carbonic acid, and expose them to the direct light
of the sun for a few hours, it will be found that a large proportion of tlie carbonic
acid will have disappeared, and will be replaced by pure oxygen.' But this
change will not be effected in the dark, or by any degree of artificial light. Ac-
cordingly we find that plants which grow in the dark become blanched from the
want of the proper supply of carbon, on which their green color depends.
283. We have before stated that this fixation of carbon in the substance of the
plant, contravenes the process of respiration, in which carbon is given off. The
former occurs only in the light of day, the latter by night as well as by day. But
as to the relative amount of carbon thus absorbed by the former process, and
evolved by the latter, there can be no rejisonablc doubt; for when we consider
how large a portion of the tissues of every plant is solid carbon, and that too,
derived chiefly from the atmosphere, it is evident that much more carbonic acid
is, on the whole, consumed by vegetation than is evolved. In accordance with
this arc the results of the experiments of Dr. Daubeny, who has recently sho^vn,
that ' in fine weather, a plant, consisting chiefly of leaves and stems, if confined
in a capacious vessel, and duly supplied with carbonic acid during sunshine, as
fast as it removes it, will go on adding to the proportion of oxygen present, as long
as it continues healthy.'
284. Thus are the tivo great kingdoms of nature rendered mutually subser-
vient, each to the well-being, and even the existence, of the other. Animal3
require an atmosphere comparatively jjure, although, by their respiration and
decay, they are continually adding to the proportion of its deleterious gases.
Plants, on the other hand, thrive by the decomposition of these gases and the res-
toration of pure oxygen to the air in their stead. It is impossible not to admire
this beautiful arrangement of Providence, by which, as in a thousand other cases,
the means and ends are rendered reciprocal, affording the highest proof of wis-
dom and design.
9*
102 INFLORESCENCE.
CHAPTER XIII.
INTLORESCENCE.
285. Inflorescence is a terra denoting the arrangement of
the flowers upon a stem or branch.
266. In regard to position upon the stem, the inflorescence,
like the leaf-bud, of which we have shown it to be a modifica-
tion, is either terminal or axillary.
a. It is, however, in some plants, particularly in the potatoe tribe (Solanacefe),
situated opposite to a leaf. Tliis in-egularity is accounted for, if we suppose, with
Lindlcy, that the flower-stalk, originating in the axil of the leaf next below, ad-
heres to the internode (172) in its lower part, and does not separate from it until
it is opposite the succeeding leaf.
287. The peduncle (flower-stalk) is that part of the stem on
which the inflorescence is immediately supported. It bears no
leaves, or, at most, only such as are reduced in size, and altered
in fonn, called bracts (252). If the peduncle is wanting, the
flower is said to be sessile.
288. The peduncle, like the stem of which it is a portion, may
be either simple or branched. When it is simple it bears, of
course, a single flower, but when it is divided into branches it
bears several flowers, and its final divisions, each bearing a sin-
jrle flower, are called pedicels.
289. A SCAPE is a flower-stalk which springs from a subter-
ranean stem, in such plants as arc called stemless (177). Ex.
Sarracenia, Taraxacum, Hyacinthus. Like the peduncle, of
which it is a modification, it is leafless, or A\dth bracts only, and
may be either simple or branched.
290. The uachis {q«x^?, the spine) is the axis of the inflores-
cence, or the main stem of a compound peduncle, along which
the pedicels are arranged, as seen in the Plantago, currant,
grape, and grasses.
291. The inflorescence is said to be solitary when it consists
of a single terminal flower, as in Erytlu-onium, or when but a
single axillary flower is developed at the same node, as in Petu-
nia, Convolvulus.
CENTRIFUGAL INFLORESCENCE.
103
292. lu regard to the evolution of the inflorescence, that is,
the mode of succession in the development of the flowers, bota-
nists have recently observed two important distinctions, namely,
the centripetal and the centrifugal, the former resulting from
axillaiy.and the other from terminal flowers.
293. In CENTRIPETAL iiiflorescence the evolution (blossoming)
of the flowers commences with those of the circumference (or
the base) and proceeds towards the centre (or the summit), as
in the Umbellifera; and the Cruciferge.
a. The studcut will readily perceive that the ciraimfereiKe of a depressed (flat-
tenedanflorescence corresponds to the base of a lengthened one; and also that tlie
centre of the fonner answers to the summit of the latter. For when the axis, or
rachis, is lengthened, it is the centre which it bears along with it at its apex, leav-
ing the circumference at the base.
294. In CENTRIFUGAL iiifloresccnce the blossoming com-
mences with the terminal and central flower, and proceeds
towards the lateral flowers, or those of the circumference. Ex.
Hyckangea, elder, and the pink tribe.
a. ' This mode of inflorescence is generally indicated by the presence of a soli-
tarj- flower seated in the axils of the dichotomous (forked) branches.' All the
flowers are considered terminal, because they do in fact (except the first which
terminates the axis) terminate lateral branches successively produced at the node
next below the primary flower. This is beautifully illustrated in Spcrgula.
FIG. 37. — Modes of inflorescence ; 1, centrifugal inflorescence (cyme) of Ceraslium maii-
mum : 2, fascicle ; 3, centripetal inflorescence (corj-mb) ; 4, spike.
295. Sometimes we find these two modes of inflorescence
combinetl in the same plant. In the Composit;c, as Dr. Gray
remarks, the heads, which may be called the partial iutlores-
104 INFLORESCENCE.
cences, are centripetal, while the general inflorescence is centri-
fugal, that is, the central head is developed before the lateral
ones. But in the Labiata) the partial inflorescences (verticilas-
ters, 309) are centrifugal, while the general inflorescence is
centripetal.
296. Of centripetal inflorescence the principal varieties are,
the spike, raceme, ament, spadix, corymb, umbel, head,
panicle, and thyrse.
297. The spike is an inflorescence consisting of several ses-
sile flowers arranged along a common peduncle (rachis). Ex.
Plantago, Verbascum.
298. The raceme is the same as the spike, but having the
flowers raised on pedicels, each being axillary to a bract, and
blossoming in succession from the base upwards. The raceme
may be either crec^ as in Hyacinthus, Pyrola, or pendulous, as
in the currant and black cherry.
299. The ament, or catkin, is a spike whose flowers are cov-
ered each with a scaly bract, instead of a calyx and corolla, and
fall off' together, all remaining still connected with the rachis.
Ex. Salix, Betula.
300. The spADix is a spike with a fleshy rachis enveloped in
a large bract, called spathe. Ex. Anim, Calla.
301. The CORYMB is the same as the raceme, having the
lower pedicels so lengthened as to elevate all the flowers to
nearly or quite the same level. Ex. wild thorn (Crataegus).
302. An UMBEL resembles the coiymb, but the pedicels are of
nearly equal length, and all arise from the same point in the
common peduncle. Ex. Asclepias, Aralia higpida, onion.
303. A HEAD or CAPiTULUM is similar to an umbel, but the
flowers are sessile or nearly so upon the summit of the pedun-
cle. Ex. button-bush, clover, globe-amaranth (Gomphrena).
a. But the more common kind of capitulum is that where the
summit of the peduncle (rachis) is dilated into a broad disk {re-
ceptacle) bearing the sessile flowers upon its surface. This is
the kind of inflorescence peculiar to the vast family of the
Compositaj, and is equivalent to the compound Jloicers of the
earlier botanists.
b. In the cfipitulum there is a general resemblance to the simple flower, tbo
CYME. 105
rays answering to petals, and the involucre (254) to the calyx. The flowei-s are
called florets, those in the outer circle, florets of the ray, and those of the central
portions, florets of the disk.
304. The panicle is a compound inflorescence, formed by an
irregular branching of the pedicels of the raceme. Ex. oats,
Poa, and many other grasses.
305. The thyrse is the same as the panicle, having the
lower branches rather shorter than those in the midst, and all of
them very compact, as in the lilac (Syringa), horse-chestnut.
a. The umbel becomes compound when each pedicel becomes
itself an umbel, as in most of the Umbelliferse. Li these cases
the secondary umbels are called umbellets, and sometimes
partial umbels. See ^ 254.
By a similar decomposition, a raceme becomes a compound
raceme, a corymb a compound corymb, &c.
FIG. 38. — Modes of inflorescence ; 1, raceme ; 2, ament ; 3, spadix ; 4, head ; 5, panicle ;
6, veiticillaster ; 7, thyrse.
306. Of the centrifugal inflorescence, the following varieties
are described ; namely, c/j'HTie, fascicle, and verticillaster.
307. Cyivie. This inflorescence has the general aspect of the
corymb, but is remarkably distinguished from it by its centrifu-
gal evolution, and by its branches being repeatedly 2-forked
and 3 -forked, as exemplified in Hydrangea, Viburnum, chick-
weed.
a. The cj-me is found only in plants with opposite leaves, and its normal struc-
ture and development are as follows. The terminal flower, which is the first to
106 INFLORESCENCE.
be opened, is borne upon a peduncle of two or more nodes, which arc, of couree,
transverse to each other (219, c). From one, or two, or all of these nodes, pairs
of secondary, opposite peduncles arise, each of which, like the first, is binodal or
multinodal, and tcnninatcd by a flower. Again, in the nodes of these secondary
peduncles, may arise, in the same manner as before, pairs of tertiarj' peduncles,
each to be terminated by a flower, and perhaps to bear still other peduncles, and
so on.
b. Hence it is evident, that in each axil of the forked branches there should be
a solitary flower. This, however, is often wanting. LTCgularities may also be
occasioned by the absence of other parts.
308. Fascicle. This is a modification of the cyme, in which
the flowers become crowded, and nearly sessile, as in sweet-
william, and other species of Dianthus.
309. Verticillaster or verticil, called also, though improp-
erly, uhorl, is a term denoting those reduced cymes which are
peculiar to the Labiattc, where two such cymes occupy the
opposite axils of each pair of leaves.
a. Sometimes the peduncle, instead of prodadng flowers, is changed into a ten-
dril, as in the vine.
SPECIES AND GENERA. 107
CHAPTER XIV.
SYSTEMATIC BOTANY.
i 1. OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS.
310. Systematic Botany relates to the arrangement of plants
into groups and families, according to their characters, for the
purpose of facihtating the study of their names, affinities, habits,
liistoiy, properties, and uses.
311. The student in botanical science is introduced into a boundless field of
inquiry. The subjects of his research meet liira at every step : they clothe the
hill and.the plain, the mountain and the valley. They spring up in the hedges
and by the wayside ; they border the streams and lakes, and sprinkle over its sur-
face; they stand assembled in vast forests, and cover with verdure even the
depths of the ocean ; they are innumerable in multitude, infinite in variety. Yet
the botanist proposes to acquaint himself with each individual of this vast king-
dom, so that he shall be able readily to recognize its name, and all that is either
interesting.-, instractive, or useful concerning it, whenever and wherever it is pre-
sented to his view.
312. Now it is obvious, that if the student should attempt the accomplishment
of this task by studying each individual plant in detail, whether with or -^vithout
the aid of books, the longest life would scarcely be sufiicient to make a begin-
ning.
313. But such an attempt would be as unnecessary as fruitless. The Author
of Nature has grouped these mpiads of individuals into species (50). When
he called them into existence in their specific forais, he endowed each with the
power of perpetuating its ovm kind and no other, so that they have descended to us
distinguished by the same diflTerences of character and properties as at the begin-
ning. When, therefore, the student has become acquainted with any one indi-
vidual plant, he is also equally acquainted with all others belonging to the same
species.
a. Thus a single stalk of white clover becomes a representative of all the mil-
lions of its kind that grow on our hills and plains, and a single description of die
white pine will answer, in all essential points, for eveiy individual tree of that
ancient and noble species, in all lands where it is found.
314. Again, the species themselves, although separated from each other by
obvious differences, still are found to exhibit many constant affinities, whereby
they are formed into larger groups, called geneka (52). Thus the white clover
and t!:e red (Trifolium rcpens and T. pratense) are nnivei-sally recognized as of
different species, but of the same genus ; and a single generic description of any
108 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY.
one plant of the genus Trifolium will convey intelligence, to a certain extent,
concerning every other plant belonging to its 150 species.
315. Thus the whole vegetable kingdom is grouped into species, and the spe-
cies themselves into genera. But natural affinities do not stop here. The genera
are still too numerous for the purpose of clear and systematic study. The natu-
ralist would therefore generalize still further, and reduce the genera to still fewer
and larger tribes or groups. Accordingly he finds, on comparing the genera with
each other, that they still possess some characters in common, although, perhaps,
of a more general nature than those which distinguish them among each other.
These general characters, therefore, serve to associate the genera into a sys-
tematic an-angement of Classes and Orders.
316. There are two independent and widely different methods
of classifying the genera, winch have generally been approved,
namely, the Artificial System of Linnasus, and the Natural Sys-
tem of Jussieu. The former has for its basis those characters
which are derived from the organs of fructification, leaving all
other natural aflinities out of view. The latter, on the contrary,
is founded upon all those natural affinities and resemblances of
plants, by wliich Nature herself has distinguished them into
groups and families.
317. In regard to the relative merit of these two arrangements there is now no
longer room for comparison. That of Linnasus is truly ingenious and beautiful,
and furnishes, perhaps, the readiest means for detennining the names of plants
which has ever been devised; but this must be regarded as its principal use.
Indeed, its author himself did not design it for any higher end, or claim for it any
higher merit.
318. But, in acquiring a thorough and accurate kno-\dedge of the vegetable
kingdom, the Natural System is not only the best, but it is the only method which
can be relied upon for this purpose. The obscurity and misconceptions which
foimerly embaiTassed the science of the vegetable stracture, so as to render this
system una\-ailable, have now been so far removed by the labors of De Candolle
and Lindley, in Europe, and of Drs. Ton-ey and Gray, of our own countiy, that it
is brought generally within the scope of the ordlnaiy mind, and shown to be
founded in true pliilosophy. Accordingly, it is now generally adopted.
319. Still, the difficulties attending analysis* by the Natural System alone,
are confessedly too great to be successfully encountered at the thi'eshold of the
science, by him who has it yet to learn. These arise, partly from the obscurity
of the characteristic distinctions employed, and partly from the remaining in;ic-
curacies of their definitions. On tliis account it has been thought best to retain,
in this work, the artificial characters of the Linnsean Classes and Orders, in the
* Analysis, as used in botany, denotes the dissection and examination of llie organic struc-
ture of plants, in order to learn their characters, afFinitics, names, &c. See § 344—348.
THE NATURAL SYSTEM. 109
form of analytical tables, to be used simply as a guide in the analysis of plants,
to point the Icai'ner to the place in the Natural System wliich his specimen
occupies.
320. Tlie artificial arrangement consists of classes, orders,
genera, and species. The two latter are the same as in the nat-
ural system (50, 51), and the two higher divisions, classes and
orders, have already been seen (74, SO) to be founded upon
the number, situation, and connection of the stamens and
pistils.
CHAPTER XV.
OF THE NATURAL SYSTEIVL
321. It is the aim of the Natural System to associate in the:
same divisions and g^roups, those plants which have the greatest
general resemblance to each other, not only in aspect and struc-
ture, but also in projierties.
322. While the artificial arrangement employs only a single
character in classification, the natural seizes upon every charac-
ter in which plants agree or disagree with each other. Thus,
those plants which correspond in the gi-eatest number of points
will be associated in the smaller and lower di\'isions, as species
and genera, while those corresponding in fev/er points will be
assembled in divisions of higher rank.
323. By an acquaintance, therefore, with the characters of
each of the families of the Natural System, we may at once
determine to which of them any new plant belongs, what are
its affinities with others, and what are its poisonous or useful
properties.
324. Although the aim of this System is as above s'lited, yet
the full consummation of it is still reserved for a future age. At
present, though greatly advanced, we are still obliged to call in
the aid of artificial characters, where Nature Ls as yet too pro-
found for ordinaiy skill. Such aid is, for example, employed in
the fii'st subdivision of Angiosperais.
10
110 THE NATURAL SYSTEM.
325. The first and highest division of the vegetable kmgdom,
aamely, into the Phcenogamia or Flowering Plants, and the
Cryptogamia or Floiverlcss Plants, has already been noticed,
and its distinctions explained, in Chapter III, and elsewhere.
These grand divisions lie at the foundation of both the System '!
of Linnteus and of Jussieu, and are truly founded in nature ;
for
The PlI^BNOGAMIA
1. Consist of a regular axis of growth with leafy appendages.
2. They possess a woody and vascular structure.
3. They devclope flowers, and
4. They produce seeds. On the otlier hand
The Cryptogam I A
1. Are destitute of a regular axis and of true leaves.
2. They possess a cellular structure only.
3. They do not dcvelope flowers, and
4. They produce spohes (129) instead of seeds.
326. These distinctive characters must not, however, be regarded as decisive in
all cases; for the higher Cryptogamia. as the ferns, give indications both of a regu-
lar woody axis and of a vascular stracture, while some of the lower Phrenogamia
can scarcely be said to ])roduce flowers. And, universally, so gradual are the
transitions from family to family and tribe to tribe, that it is impossible to fi.x
upon characters so definite as to completely circumscribe any one group, while at
tlie same time, they exclude every member of surrounding and approximating
groups.
327. There is a small and curious order of plants of comparatively recent dis-
covery, native chiefly of the East Indies, which appear, from the most authentic
accounts of them, to form the connecting link between the Flowering and Flow-
crless plants, combining a part of the characters of each, so that Ijotanists are at
a loss to which it belongs. They possess a cellular structure, develope flowers
immediately from the root, whence they are called Ehizanths {{"f»;, a root, acfli:,-,
a flower) ; but their ovaries are said to be filled wth spores instead of seeds, and
hence they are also called Sporogens. Ex. Rafflesia.
328. Again, the Pha?nogamia are very naturally resolved into
two subdivisions, depending upon their manner of growth, called
ExoGENS and Endogens, whose distinctions are briefly as fol-
lows : — '
ExOGENS,
1. Growing by external accretions (196).
2. Bearing leaves which have reticulated veins (229) and which fall off by
an articulation.
3. Seeds with tATO or more cotyledons (127) or dicotykdonoiu.
ACROGENS. Ill
Emdogens,
1. Growing by internal accretions (197).
2. Leaves parallel-veined (229) and decaying without falling off.
3. Seeds with one cotyledon (126) or monocolyledonoui.
329. Classes. The gi-oups above mentioned, compiising the
whole vegetable kingdom, are again subdivided into six classes.
The first two are formed from the subdivision Exogens, and are
founded upon the presence or absence of the pericarp ; namely,
Class I. Angiosperms, (as the oak, rose,)
1. Ovules produced within an ovary, and
2. Fertilized by the action of the pollen through the stigm£L
3. Becoming seeds enclosed in a pericarp.
4. Embryo with two opposite cotyledons.
Class n. Gymnosperms, (as the pine, yew,)
1. Ovules produced naked beneath a scale-like carpel.
2. Fertilized by the direct action of the pollen without the stigma.
3. Becoming tnily naked seeds, that is, destitute of a pericarp.
4. Embryo mostly with several whorled cotyledons.
330. The next two classes are formed from the subdivision
Endogens, and are founded upon the presence and absence of
glumes or husks ; namely,
Class in. AglumacevE or aglumaceous endogens,
Plants of the endogenous structure with flowers constractcd on the
usual plan; perianth verticillate, of one or more whorls of petaloid
organs, or wanting. Ex. lily, orchis, rush.
Class IV. Glumace^e or glumaceous endogens.
Plants of the endogenous striicture, the flowers invested in an imbri-
cated perianth of glumes instead of a calyx ; as the grasses, grains,
sedges.
331. The Cryptogamia are separated into two great classes,
called Acrogens and Thallogens ; the former including those
tribes which make some approximation towards the Phsenoga-
mia, and the latter including the lowest tribes of the vegetable
kingdom. As their names indicate, they are distinguished from
each other by their manner of growth ; thus.
Class V. Acrogens (growing from ax^c?, the summit or point) have a regular
stem, or axis, which grows by the e.xtcnsion' of the point, or apex only,
without increasing at all in diameter, generally furnished with leaves,
and composed of cellular tissue and ducts. Ex. ferns, mosses, club-
mosses, and tlie Equisetacese.
112 THE NATURAL SYSTEM.
Class Yl. TiiALLOGENS, consisting merely of cellular tissue, with a tendency to
grow into a fiat expansion called thallus, but having no distinction of
root, stem, leaves, or tiowcrs. Ex. Lichens, seawcedii, liverworts,
fungi.
332. Affinities of the Six Classes. These may be represented
to the sight by the following arrangement'
Angiosperms.
Gymnosperms. Aglumaccro.
Acrogens. GlumacccC.
Thallogens.
Angiosperms stand in the highest rank, as tliey justly merit, by their superior
organization. These are n(!arly allied to Gymnosperms by their mode of growth ;
and, on the other hand, to Aglumaccs by their mode of flowering. Gymnos-
perms are intimately connected with Acrogens through Equisetaceas of the latter,
which stands intermediate : and the Aglumaceai approach the Glumaccie, almost
indefinitely, through the Junccaj (rushes). Between the Acrogens and Thallo-
gens a close relationship is established through the Musci (mosses), while the
sporogms form the connecting link between the Endogens and the lowest tribes
of vegetation, as the Fungi. Thus, from the highest rank we descend to tlie low-
est, through Gymnosperms and Acrogens on the one hand, and through Aglu-
macea; and Glumacca; on the other, forming a circle of affinities.
333. The mutual relations of the six classes with the higher divisions, arc pre-
sented in the following synopsis :
I-p ( Class I. AxGiosrERJis.
1.XOGENS; j f^iass II. Gymnosperms.
( Class III. Aglumaceous.
E^°o«^^'^5J Class IV. Glu-maceous.
Kingdom ; , ^lass V. Acrogens.
[ Cryptogamia ; ^ ^lass VI. Thallogens.
334. Sub-classes. The classes are next to be broken up
into smaller divisions. In effecting this object most writers
have einployed artificial methods, since no natural one, founded
upon clear and comprehensive distinctions, has yet been de-
vi.sed. Tlius Angiosperms, which class is by far the largest of
ihc six, is divided into three sub-classes. Polyfetal^, or poly-
petalous Exogens, flowers with distinct petals; MonopetaljE,
or MONoPETALous ExoGENS, flowors with united petals; Apet-
AL.E, or APETALous ExoGENS, flower with no floral envelopes, or
with a calyx only.
335. Orders, or Families, arc the most important of all the
natural associations. On the accuracy and distinctness of the
ORDERS.
113
characters of these, botanists have bestowed tiie highest degree
of attention, and the student's progress will depend chiefly upon
his acquaintance with them.
336. Orders are formed by associating together those genera
which are the most nearly allied to each other, or to some one
genus previously assumed as the type. Therefore, as the spe-
cies form genera, so genera form orders.
337. In systematic works, the orders are also associated on
natural principles into alliances, groups, &c., which are inter-
mediate between these and the sub-classes, and are designated
numerically, thus, group 1st, group 2d, Sec, or by names derived
from a leading order.
338. In regard to their extent, the orders difier veiy widely,
some consisting of a single genus, as San-aceniaceaB, while
others comprehend hundreds of genera, as Compositor. For
convenience' sake the larger orders are broken up into sub-
orders, or tribes.
339. The Natural System, with its classes and subordinate
divisions, may be exhibited in one view ;
The Vegetable Kingdom is separated
1st, into Grand Divisions and Subdivisions.
2nd,
3d,
4 th,
5th,
6th,
7th,
Classes.
Sub-classes, Alliances, and Groups.
Orders and Sub-orders.
Genera and Sub-genera.
Species and Varieties, and
Lidividuals.
W
114 NOMENCLATURE.
CHAPTER XVI.
§1. NOMENCLATURE.
340. The names of the Ordas are Latin adjectives, (feminine, pUiral, to agree
with j)lant(E, plants, understood,) usually derived from the name of the most
prominent, or leading genus, in each, by changing or prolonging the tennination
into acecB, as Rosacecz, the rose tribe, Papaveraccce, the poppy tribe, from Kosa and
Papaver.
a. Earlier names, however, derived from some leading character in the Order,
and with various terminations, are still retained. Thus, Compositce, with com-
pound flowers ; Labiates, with labiate flowers.
341. Gaicnc names are Latin substantives, arbitrarily formed, often from some
medicinal virtue, either supposed or real, or from some obvious character of the
genus ; sometimes from the native counti7 of the plants, Or from the name of
some distinguished botanist, or patron of botany, to whom the genus is thus said
to be dedicated. Also the ancient classic names, either Latin or Greek, are often
retained. Examples of all these modes of construction will be hereafter seen.
342. Specific names are Latin adjectives, singular number, and agreeing in gen-
der with the name of the genus to which they belong. They are mostly founded
upon some distinctive character of the species; as Gerardia glaiica, glaucous-
stemmed Gerardia; G. jmrpitrca, purple-flowered Gerardia; G. tenuifoUa, slender-
leaved Gerardia. Frequently the species is named after some other genus, which,
in some respect, it resembles ; as Gerardia quercifolia, oak-leaved Gerardia. G.
ihlphini/olia, larkspur-leaved Gerardia.
313. Species, like genera, arc also sometimes named in commemoration of dis-
tinguished persons. The rules given by Lindlcy, for the construction of such
names, are, 1st, If the person is the discoverer, the specific name is a substantive
in the genitive case, singular number; as. Lobelia Kalmii, Kalm's Lobelia; Pin-^s
Frastri, Eraser's pine. 2d, If the name is merely conferred in honor of the per-
son to whom it is dedicated, it is an adjective ending in nus, na, mm; as Erica
Linmana, Linnajus's heath ; Rosa Lawrenciam, Miss La^vTcncc's rose. In these
cases, and in all others where the specific name is derived from proper names, or
where it is substantive, as it often is, it should begin with a capital letter.
§2. BOTANICAL ANALYSIS.
344. The application of the niles of Systematic Botany to the
natural plant, in order to ascertain its affinities, place, name, &c.
iS called botaiiical anahjds.
345. In order to be in a proper state for this kind of examina-
tion plants should be in full blossom, and fresh, that is, not with-
PRESERVING PLANTS. 115
ered or decayed. A good lens is requisite for the examination
of the minute parts of tlie structure, or of the flower.
346. The analysis of plants is a constant object of pursuit with the practical
botanist. Without this cxcrcise.the study of authors will be of little avail. A
more accurate and useful knowledge of a plant can be acquired in a few minutes,
by a careful examination of the living specimen, or even of the dried, than by com-
mitting to memory the most elaborate descriptions found in books. During tho
flowering months, the learner will often in his walks meet with plants in blossom,
witli which he is yet unacquainted. And he who is duly interested in his pursuit,
will by no means fail to seize and analyze each specimen while the short hour of
its bloom may last, and to store his memory with the knowledge of its names,
habits, and uses. Thus, in a few seasons, or even in one, he will have gi-own fa-
miliar with nearly, or quite, eveiy species of plants in his vicinity.
347. Let us now suppose the pupil in possession of a specimen of an unknown
plant in full blossom. In order to study it by the aid of authors, a point immedi-
ately requisite is its name. Kow, having learned by examination the organic and
physiological structure of the flower, leaves, stem, &c., the experienced botanist,
who has at his command the characters of all the Natural Tamilies, will at once
determine to which of them the plant belongs.
348. But this is not to be expected of the pupil who is supposed to be yet, in a
measure, unacquainted with the characters of the orders. He must be gtiided to
the place which his specimen holds in the classification, by a longer course of
inquiry and comparison. For the assistance of the learner, therefore, and for the
convenience of all, wc are happy to be able to add a full series of Analytical
Tables, which, with proper use, will seldom fail of conducting them almost im-
mediately, to the object of tlieir research. Sec the directions.
§3. OF COLLECTING AND PRESERVING PLANTS.
349. The student in botanical science should give an early and persevering at-
tention to tiie collection and preseiTation of specimens of as many species of
plants as he can procure. The advantages to be derived fiom such collections,
cither in refreshing the memory by reviewing them, or in instituting a more
thorough examination at one's leisure, are such as will afford an abundant com-
pensation for all the labor requisite in preparing them.
a. Such a collection of dried specimens of plants is called an uerbaeium, or
by the more significant title, hortus siccus (dry garden).
350. The apparatus requisite for the accomplishment of this object is, 1st, a
close tin box, 2© inches in length, and of a portable form ; 2d, a portable press,
consisting of two boards of light material, 12 by 18 inches, opening and shutting
by hinges, like the cover of a book, and secured by springs (even a large book is
a good stibstitute) ; 3d, a quantity of smooth, bibulous paper, of large size (a
dozen or more quires of ])rinting paper) ; 4th, eight or ten boards of the same size
as the paper; 5th. a small sci-ew-press, or several lead weights of varioius sizes,
fi-om 15 to 30 pounds each.
116 NOMENCLATURE.
351. In gathering plants for Uiis purpose, or specimens, as they are called, the
smaller and licrbaceous plants should be taken up witli a portion of the roots,
vfhile from larger plants there should be selected a shoot, with complete represen-
tations of the leaves and flowers. They may be preserved for several days, with-
out withering, in the tin box, or they may at once be laid between several thick-
nesses of the paper, and enclosed in the portable press. It is always desirable
that tlicy be gathered in a dry day ; if not, they should be freed from dampness
before being committed to the paper and press.
352. In drjing the specimens, great care is required, that they may preserve
well their natural appearance, form, and color. It is generally recommended
that they be carefully spread out, as nearly in their natural position as possible,
between 8 or 10 thicknesses of paper, and then submitted to pressure between the
boards. The degree of pressure should never be such as to crush their parts, and
may be easily regulated by the screw, or by the number and size of the weights
tised.
353. As often as once a day they should be taken from the press, transferred to
fi-esh and dry paper, and returned, until they are thoroughly dried, when they are
ready to be transfen-ed to the cabinet. Others, however, recommend that the
papers be not changed at all ; and that the plants remain undisturbed in their
position, until they are perfectly dry.
354. The next object with the collector is the arrangement of his specimens.
For this purpose, each one is first to be fastened to a sheet of firm white paper,
about 10 inches by 18, either by glue or with loops of paper of the same kind, or
tliey may be stitched to the paper with a fine needle. The latter mode, if done
skilfully, is preferable. Then let all those specimens which belong to the same
genus be collected together and placed within a folded sheet of colored paper,
with tlie name of the genus and each species written on the outside. Each sheet
should also be labelled with the names of the plant, the locality, time of gather-
ing, habits, &c.
355. The genera are next to be collected together into orders, each order being
wrapped or folded in a still larger sheet, of a difl'ercnt color from that which en-
folds the genera, having the name of the order, with a catalogue of its genera on
the outside. Thus an-angcd, the orders are to be laid away upon the shelves of a
cabinet, or packed in a chest. To protect the plants from the attacks of insects,
pieces of camphor gum are to be placed among them, or a piece of sponge satu-
rated with the oil of turpentine. To save them from decay, they should be kept
dry, and well ventilated.
356. Fruits and seeds which arc too large to be pressed with the plants, and
also truncheons of wood, are to be preserved separately, in a cabinet
INDEX AND GLOSSAHY.
»*, The figures refer to paragraphs.
A; ('', privative) in composition signifies
without.
Abortion ; an imperfect development of
any organ.
Absorption, 157, 15S, 272, 273, 274.
Acaulescent, 1S4.
Acccssoi-y ; something added to the usual
parts.
Accretion ; the growing of one thing to
another.
Accum_bent; lying upon. In the Orn-
ciferaj it denotes tlie radicle lying upon
the edges of the cotyledons.
Acerose, 234, 20.
Achenium, 110, 9.
Achlamydeous, .'54.
Acicular; needle-shaped.
Acine ; a separate grain or cai-pel of a col
lective fruit.
Acotyledonous, 48.
Acrogens, 331.
Aculeate ; armed with prickles.
Acuminate, 230, 3.
Acute, 230, 1.
Adherent, 97.
Adnate ; growing to or upon, G9, 2.
JEstiyation, lOS.
Aggregate ; assembled closely together.
Agiumaceous, 330.
AVaj, 105, 5.
Alburnum, 203.
Albumen, 122.
Alternative, 108, 5.
Alveolate ; with partitions like a honey-
comb.
Anient, 299.
Amplexicaul, 222, 3.
Aniustomosiiig; the uniting of vessels;
inosculating.
Anatropous, 121.
Ancipital ; two-edged.
Androecium, 57, 65.
Androgynous; with both stamens and
pistils.
Angiosperm', 329.
Anthelmin'ic ; expelling or killing worms.
Animal, definition of, 11.
Antiseptic ; efficacious against putrefac-
tion.
Anther, G'''.
Apctalaa, 331. Apetalous, without petals.
Appressed ; pressed closely upon some-
thing else.
Apterous; without wings (or mnrgins).
Aquatics ; growing in or belonging to the
water.
Arachnoid ; 41, a.
Arboreous ; tree-like.
Arborescent; belonging to a tree.
Areolte ; having the surf ice divided into
little spaces, or areas.
Arlditv ; dryness.
Aril, 119.
Arlstate ; bearded, as in the glumes of
barlev.
Armed," 235, 7.
Aroma ; the spicy quality of a thing.
Articulation ; a joint ; the place where
one thing is joined to another.
Artificial Classes, 73.
Artificial Orders, SO.
Ascidia, 245.
Ascending ; arising obliquely, assurgent.
Assurgent; arising in an oblique direc-
tion.
Attenuate ; rendered slender or thin.
Auricnlate, 232, 9.
Awn, 25G.
Axil (arm-pit); the angle between tha
petiole and branch, on the upper side
Axillary ; growing out of the axils.
Axis, ascending, 19.
Axis, descending, 19.
118
INDEX AND GLOSSARY.
Baccate ; berry-like, covered with pulp.
Banner, 105, 5.
Barli, 205.
Beak ; a liard, short point, like the beak
of a bird.
Bearded; with long awns or hairs.
Berry, IIC, 14.
Bicuspidate ; with two points.
Bidentate ; with two teeth.
Biennial ; of two years' duration.
Bifid; two-cleft.
Bifoliate ; with two leaves.
Bilabiate ; two-lipped.
Bifurcate ; two-forked.
Binate ; growing two together.
Bipinnate, 2-10, 5.
Bipinnatifid ; twice pinnatifid.
Bisaccate ; with two tumors or sacks.
Biternate, 240, 7.
Bivalved ; two-valved.
Botany defined, 1.
Brachiate ; with opposite spreading
branches (arms).
Bracteate ; having bracts.
BracteolcT; little bracts.
Bracts, 252.
Branchlets ; small branches.
Branch, 170.
Bristles ; rigid hairs.
Bud, 20. 22. 16i>— 169.
Bulb, 178.
Bulbiferous, 178, c.
Bulblets, 178, c.
Bulbous ; having bulbs.
Caducous, 98.
Csespitose ; turfy, growing in tufts.
Calycine ; of a calyx.
Galyculated ; having bracteoles resem-
bling an external or additional calyx.
Calyptra; (an extinguisher) applied to
the cover of the thecaof some mosses.
Calyx, 55, 95.
Cambium, 207.
Oampanulate, 104, 1.
Campylotropous ; denotes that the ovule
is curved upon itself.
Canaliculate; channelled, or furrowed.
Canescent ; hoary, ajiproaching to white.
Capillary ; very slender, hair-like.
Capitate ; growing in a head.
Capsule, lie, 1.
Carina, 105, 5. Carinate, keel-shaped.
Caryopsis ; a small, 1-celled, indehiscent
pericarp, adhering to the seed which it
encloses, as in the grasses. 116,8.
Carpels, 77.
Carpophore ; the axis of the fruit in the
Umbellifcras.
Cartilaginous ; gristly.
Caryophyllaceous, 105, 4.
Cathartic ; purgative.
Catkin, 299.
Caudate ; with a tail-like appendage.
Caudex, 142, a.
Caulescent, 1S4.
Cauline, 220.
Caulis, 18'1.
Cellular; composed of cells.
Cellular tissue, 29.
Cellulares, 47.
Cernuous ; nodding.
Chatfy; with chatfhke processes.
Chalaza, 91.
Chemical basis of vegetable tissue, 28.
Chlorophyll, 215, a.
Chromulas ; green coloring-matter or par
tides.
Cilise ; hairs like those of the eyelash.
Ciliate, 41, a.
Circinate, 217, 7.
Circumscissile, 115, 5.
Cirrhose, 240, 2.
Clavate ; club-shaped.
Claw, 102.
Climbers, 187.
Cochleate ; resembling the shell of a
snail.
Coherine; connected.
Collum,"l41.
Columella, 116, a.
Colored ; not green.
Columnar; formed like columns.
Column ; the consolidated stamens soA.
pistils of Orchidaceaj.
Coma, lis, a.
Commissure ; the inner face of the car
pels of Umbellilcra;.
Compound leaves, 23S.
Comose ; a kind of inflorescence, havinjj
a tuft of sessile bracts on the top of it.
Compound leaves; consisting of several
leaflets.
Compressed, 222, 1.
Concave ; hollow.
Concentric; points or lines at equal dis-
tance from a common centre.
Concrete ; hardened, or fomied into one
mass.
Confluent ; running into one another.
Conjugate ; joined in pairs.
Connate ; joined together at the base,
242, 4.
Connectile, 68, h.
Connivent ; converging.
Conoid ; like a cone.
Contorted ; lOS, 4, twisted.
Convolute, lOS, 2.
Convex ; rising spherically.
Coral Islands, 12, c.
Cordate, 2.3'!, 25.
Coriaceous; leathery, thick, and tough.
Corm, 179.
Coriiute; horned.
Corolla, 56, 100.
Corona (a crown); the expanded cnp-
like disk of the Narcissus, &c.
Corymb, 301.
Corymbose ; arranged like a coiymb.
Costate; ribbed.
INDEX AND GLOSSAUY.
119
Cotyledon, 125.
Cotyledonous plants, 48.
Creeper, 1S2.
Oreiiate, '2.3.'), 4.
Crenulate, 2.'J5, 4.
Crisped, -23'), 10.
Ci-uciform, 10.5, 1.
(^ryptogamia, 3'25.
Cucullate ; hooded, cowled.
Culm, ISG, a.
Cultivation, effects of, 1.5.
Cuneate; wedge-shaped.
Cupule ; the cup, or involucre, of the
acorn, and of all amentaceous plants.
Cuspidate ; like the point of a spear. A
leaf is cuspidate when suddenly con-
tracted to a point.
Cuticle ; the epidermis ; scarf-skin.
Cyathiform ; cup-shaped ; concave.
Cylindraceous ; like a cylinder in form.
(jyme, .307. Cymose ; arranged like a
cyme.
Decandrous ; with 10 stamens.
Deciduous, 9S.
Declinate; turned towards one side.
Decompound ; more than once compoun-
ded, as bipinnate, &c.
Decumbent; lying down, or leaning on
the ground.
Decurrent, 242, 3.
Decussate ; crossing each other at right
angles.
Deflexed ; bent downwards.
Defoliation, 2-59.
Dehiscence, 6S, a, 11;5.
Deltoid ; shaped like the Greek letter A.
Dentate, 235, 2.
Denticulate, 2-35, 2.
Depressed ; pressed inward or flattened
from above.
Diandrous ; with two stamens.
Diadelpheus; h.aving the stamens united
in 2 sets.
Diaphanous ; transparent.
Dichotomous; branching by two equal
divisions ; forked.
Dicli'ions ; (stamens and pistils) in sepa-
rate flowers.
Dicotyledonous plants, 127.
Didymous ; two united.
Didynamous ; having two long stamens
and two short ones in the ^ame flower.
Diffuse ; -vVide-spread, scattered.
Digestion, 281.
Digitate, 233, IS.
Digynous ; with two pistils.
Dioicious ; bearing staminate flowers on
one individual, and pistillate on another.
Discoid ; in the Compositse, when the
flowers are all tubular in the same
head.
Disk, 107, I) ; also, the centre of a head in
the Composite.
Dissected ; cut into 2 parts.
Dissepiment; the partitions by which
the cells of the pericarp are separated.
Dissemination of seeds, 13-5.
Distichous; leaves or flowers in two op-
posite rows.
Distinct, 63, e.
Divaricate; spreading in a straggling
manner.
Dodecandrous ; having twelve stamens.
Dorsal, S4 (on the back).
Drape, 116, 6.
Ducts, 33, /.
Duramen, 203.
Echinate; beset with prickles.
Elementary organs, 29, &c.
Elliptical, 232,"2.
Elongated ; exceeding tlie common length.
Emarginate, 236, 4.
Embryo, 123, 124, 130.
Emollient ; softening.
l^ndocarp, 112.
Endogenous structure, 210, 211.
Endogens, 126, 197, 328.
Endopleura, IIS.
Endosmose, 1.58, a.
Endostome ; inner mouth or perforation.
Ensiform ; sword-shaped, two-edged.
Entire, 23.5, 1.
Epicarp, 112.
Epidermis, 35.
Epigvnous, 107, />.
Epiphytes, 1.50, L
Equitant, 217, 1.
Erose, 235, 5.
Esculent ; eatable.
Etiolated ; blanched or whitened.
Exhalation, 269, 271.
Exogenous structure, 198, 199, &c.
Exogens, 127. 196, 32S.
Exosmose, 1.5S, a.
Exotic ; foreign ; not native.
Exsertcd ; projecting or extending ont of
the flower or sheath.
Exsiccated ; dried up.
Exstipulate, 251.
Extrorse, 68, 4.
Ffficula ; the nutritious part of wheat and
other fruits.
Falcate ; sickle-shaped ; linear and curved.
Farinaceous ; mealv.
Fascicle, 308.
Fasciculated, 146, a.
Fastigiate ; having a flat or level top.
Faviise ; deeplv pitted.
Featlier-veineii. 230, 1.
Febrifuge ; efticacious against fever.
Fecundation; the act of making fruitfuL
Ferruginous ; iron-colored ; rusty.
Fibrils, 142,3, 152.
Fibro-vascular tissue, 260.
Fibrous, 146.
Filament, 67.
Filiform ; shaped like a thread.
120
INDEX AND CLOSSAE.Y.
Fimbriate; fnngcd.
Fistular or fistulous; tubular.
Flabelliform : fnn-sliap*d.
Flexuous; bent in an undulating manner.
Floating root, 119.
Flonil envelope*;, or perianth, 54.
Floral leaves, 252.
Florets, 303, b.
Flosculous; consisting of many tubular
monopetalous flowers, or florets.
Flower, origin of, 24.
" consists of, 53.
" physiological structure of, lOG.
" normal stnicture of, (Jl, c.
Flower-bud, IGG.
Foliaceous ; having the fomi of leaves.
Follicle, IK), 5.
Foot-stalks; the stalks of either flowers
or leaves.
Foramen, 90.
Fork-veined, 229, 3.
Free, 97.
Free central placenta, SS.
Fringed ; having a border like a fringe.
Frond ; the leaves of the ferns, palms, «&c.
have been generally so called.
Fruit, 109, 110.
" growth of, 113.
" ripening of, 114.
" consists of. 111.
Frutescent; shrubby.
Fugacious, 2-'57, 1.
Fungous ; of the substance of the Fungi.
Funiculus, 91.
Furcate ; forked.
Fusiform, 145.
Galea ; (104, 5) the arched wpper lip of a
labiate flower.
Geminate ; doubled.
Genus, 52.
Germ ; the old name of the ovary.
Germination, 130 — 133.
Gibbous; swelled out, protuberant.
Glabrous, 237, 1.
Glands, 44.
Glandular fibre or tissue, 31.
Glaucous; sea green; pale bluish green
with a powder or bloooi.
Globose; round or spherical.
Glossology, 4.
Giumaceie, 330.
Glume, 2-')().
Granular; 147, (6, formed of grains or cov-
ered with grains.
Gregarious ; herding together.
Grooved ; furrowed or channelled.
Groups, 337.
Gymiiosperms, 329.
Gynandrous ; having the stamens and
'styles combined in one body.
Gyncccium, 5S.
Hairs, 41.
Hastate, 232, 10.
Habit ; tlie general a.spect or external
features of a plant, by which it is
known at sight.
Head, 303.
Helmet or Galea, 104, 5.
Herb, 1G4, c.
Herbarium, 349, 350.
Heterogamous ; flowers not all perfect,
some being neutral or pistillate.
Hexandrous; having six stamens.
Hilum, 120.
Hirsute, 41, a.
Hispid ; roush, with stiff hairs.
Hoary, 237, 5.
Homogamous ; flowers all tubular, simi-
lar and perfect, as in some of the Com-
posita?.
Homogeneous; having a uniform nature
or composition.
Hooded ; curved or hollowed at the end
, into the form of a hood.
Hot springs, 12, e.
Hyaline ; crystalline, transparent.
Hybrid; partaking of the nature of two
species.
Hypocrateriform, 104, 3.
Hypogynous, 107, b.
Imbricate ; placed one over another, like
the tiles upon a roof, lOS, S.
Incised, 235, S.
Incrassated ; becoming thicker by de-
grees.
Indehiscent, 115.
Indigenous; native of.
Indupl'icate, lOS, 7.
Incumbent; lying against or across. In
the Crucifei-aj it denotes that the radi-
cle is applied to the back of one of tha
cotyledons.
Indusium ; the membrane that encloses
the theca of ferns.
Inferior, 97.
Inflated ; tumid and hollow, blown up
like a bladder.
Inflexed : bending inward.
Inflorescence, 285, &c.
'' centrijjetal, 293.
" centrifugal, 294.
Infnndibuliform, 104, 2.
Innate, GS, 1.
Inserted into ; growing out of.
Integument, llS.
Intercellular passages, 30.
Internode, 172.
Introi-se, GO, 4.
Involucel, 2;>l.
Involucre, 2-y\.
Involute, 217, 3.
Irregular; unequal in size or figure.
Keel, 105, 5.
Kidney-shaped, 232, 12 (rcnifonn).
Labcllum, 107, a.
INDEX AND GLOSSARY.
121
LaLinfp, 101, 5.
I-acitiiii'c, '2!.'j, 20.
Lactc'scent ; milky or juicy.
Lainiiin, 10'2.
Laiiatf ; woolly.
Lanceolate, 23J, 5.
I.atei-al ; relating to the sido.
Latex, 20-5.
LftticilcrouR tisstic, 3-1, 207, c.
Leaf consists of, 27.
" foi-mof, 2:J1.
" color of, 215.
" marj^iu of, 235.
" MU-face of, 2.37.
" functions of, 2^7.
" duration of, 257.
Leaf-bud, 107.
Leaflot-s 23'J.
Leaver, arra?ic;cment of, 215'.
Lesuinc, ll'J, 4.
Lesumii'""'^ ; havin.
Nod.
Vcrticillate, 218, 4.
Vescicular; bjaddeiy.
Vexilhiry, 108, G.
Vexilluni, 105, 5.
Villose ; villous ; clothed with long hairs.
Vine, 187.
Viscid ; clammy, sticky.
Vittae ; receptacles oi secretion iu tha
seed of Urabellifer£e.
Whorled, 17.5.
Winged, 222, 2.
Wood, 201, 202.
Woody tissue, or fibre, 30,
CLASS-BOOK OF BOTANY.
PART SECOND,
-m^^^m-
PREFACE TO THE TABLES.
The following anahjl.kal tables, founded upon the artificial arrangetncnt
of Linnosus, together with those of the succeeding pages nnder each natural
order, are designed and presented simply as a mode of botanic analysis, which
is, in some respects, new and improved. They are the result of much labor and
investigation, since each character employed, required a previous examination
of all the species included under it. They reduce the process of analysis to
a simple series of dilemmas or alternatives, the decision being, in almost all
cases, to be made merely between t(oo opposite or obviously distinct characters.
These decisions or dilemmas being, nwreover, few in number, conduct the stu-
dent with absolute precision (provided the tables be free from error and the
specimen a good one), to the order or genus to which his plant belongs, by
once reading across the page. The advantages thus afforded v»'ill be duly ap-
preciated, at least by those who have hitherto been subjected to the drudgery
of readintr through whole pages of dry generic descriptions, and that too, oft-
en, without arriving at any satisfactory conclusion.
In regard to the generic characters employed in the tables, it will be observed
tliat they are drawn from leaves, fruit, floioer, or any portion of the plant which
suited our convenience, our only inquiry being after those which appear to
us the most obvious and constant. It should be remarked, however, that in
many instances, these characters are not strictly applicable to all the known
species belonging to those particular genera, but only to those which are de-
scribed in this work, that is, found ia New England or New York. In our
choice of terms we have always, of necessity, studied the utmost brevity of
expression, but have used none but such as are explained in the glossary or
in the body of the work.
AUhougli the manner in which these tables are to be used will in general
be obvious at a glance, yet it may not be unprofitable to attend to the follow-
A
11 PREFACE TO THE TABLES.
ing directions and illustrations. We will suppose the student to be in posses-
sion of an unknown plant which he wishes to study by the aid of the Flora,
in other words, to analyze. To this end, he first determines to which of the
Linnaean classes it belongs, either by his previous knowledge of their char-
acters, or by an appeal to the synopsis, page 3. Thus, he inquires,
1. Has tlie plant stamens and pistils? Answer It has.
2. Are they in the same, or in separate flowers.' In the same flower.
3. Are the stamens/z-ce from the pistils, or udhcrcnt to them.' Free.
4. Are they distinct from each other, or united? Distinct.
5. Are tliey of equai or unequal length ? Equal.
G. What is their number? Ten. The plant is therefore of the class
Decandria. The student now turns to class 10, and inquires,
1. What is the number of s s
^ CT :?J C^ OJ .
Pi
Q
a
<
a;
o
^
o
O S
p
r/;
Ci!
" r3
fa
r/3
Of='^
cc
TETRANDRIA.
U5 « W^CO OOD CO W5 CD O CO I^ VO-n'OOl
^■S fi-
,5 « 2 K •< J g.~
S si*
< 6)
o o
ft, ti] sj to ^ tc'CQ « o M o f^!:^ f-ic§<;2;
PENTANDRIA.
PENTANDRIA.
r-. 1-n QO 0< -O
Q^A^
•VIiCA9CIX0IV[
HEXANDRIA.
ENNEANDRIA.
!>=•£
!<•?
l^^(5-!<<;:qf^(i;
i? K J S
6^!^
- ^ (ij •<
"1 W J
;■= S S " w ?•
f ■
3 . •
•III
o f2 —
$■-§
5^
OO (is S 6 2
o ^
w s
Q
<
H
0-1
K
H
Z
H
02
72
<1
tJ
III
So,
Z
<
fH
o
— «
o
i^ 2 :i >« • ?
B .- O O .2
>-(
~ 3 t. - „
H
-~ s^ .-s^ ?
0
green,
colore
openii
celled,
. Shr
erbs.
s abo\
pl^
« 1^ ;«4-'5 S H 2
02
02
<
o6|5 .-^ S-l
s4— 5.
s8. C
4. Ca
baccat
1-seede
iry infe
ilipular
lifs^Ss
P.a,^fe3 ^
■^T _^fa -d s
o t o £ S
••:.2-i: c o yj
0) ^ ,^ o o
•ary su
■ary in
'vary i:
y supe
arcely
olored
■' XO •- '-J "
so « O
•Sag"
a rl ^
V- " O . •"
1> C-i a, a
CO 5 3 o
-3IS.-2 2
25 .3
o 2
h S
c -a
f* -3
S a
« P £->
iJ
tl
•a
■^
D
e
4>
>■
III
«)
3
d
S
.c
a
a
.J3
s
^
J=
w
.a
<
K
o> r.
« >•
*
C O
«
SECANDRIA.
ICOSANDBIA,
t^ «3 »-l 'S' CI CO O Gi UN CJ CT cc>
O C3 t^ CO CT 53 «
JO -^ CJ r
tO^CTQD *>»
^
►J o
1-1
^ g
►J <
•
rj>^
ii
c 3 >.
•«
3d 2
"3
«
^cc u
X'S-
^
C!-~ 3
m
C 3
u?
U I. cj
o >< =:
".£
_rt
c.
>- 3
H
55'^
be
aj
«
-3
0)
4) biD •
D.o-5
a
—
9 S
-a
0)
f^^.
o
feO,*
■£■£ «
C3
?
2-d
X
^*'' '-=^ aj
I? ? 'rt
Jii
o
II
1-1
*rt'« 2
.•=
JS
"3.
t,
o -t
tc o
«-ES :
i< M
1 ^t^ e-
•■-■=■ ~ -a
►JJ g
-^'l
3
s
•C-H
o
M^
bp
^s
.•/J
—
— 3
>
O M
"^ 2
J3
§ «J
£!.«
?
3 3
_>. J)
fcfL,
Ph-?
-ji
o c —
Co'-'
^S o
<,
R £-1
S R £h Q
POLYANDRIA.
TETRADYNAMIA,
CJ O W C- O T-l o
«-H ^J r-. CO tH
•!»< cj o m cc C5 0}
05 O CV O! 00 CD 1--
^
^ •
fei w
H B
g^ =
^??
«
w^.§
^^s
s
£^2"
2 0.g
3
• £: ^ a.
p fc s
g
8 S ^ S-
>^ O a
B
^
w^;KR^ rtSfe;fq
U • M
pj ^ W
^ C o ■
K
2 (or 3). Juic.
5, the two out
peltate, petali
small. Pedu
rlace of the di
ately divided,
eltate. Flow
O »! O 3
Ifll
2
(rt rt c: G ,. "iJ «
£ S 3 3
p, £, bo bo^ ^ S
»- (D tH fcH
i >»
^ t
g,
cs ri rt -urj
a rt
^ .r: ri; rt :^
C (U
u
Ph C-CQO
►J iJ
r, X s< t^ —
S oj
OO
<:
■1
^
w
Q
o
<:
. c
en
H
w
H
t— ^
H
- '=
Z
c;2
w
H
^ ''
H
t: 3
t^
= 1
U<
i^
Cl .
■72
U2
c r!
<
fco
J
Z,
u
o =J
03 0
3 „
c
_ 3
<£,
•fe
^i.
MONADELPHIA.
SYNGENESIA.
o oi CD CO CI 00 CO e^
B a
.2 [^ k: « "^
a SI o § s ^ g
fc ft i-j
:§"S
3 ai -3 u
3 JS^S ^
■ s s
cS
(3
R
.2 ^
"^ .
^
«£
B
"^^
3
o
"3 ,;
c-2
s
^1
c
^1
rt
II
8.S
p.
1
71 ^
3
be
O —
•S 2
f
w'rfl'
(L)
(D —
c c
t3
f^'ii
CO,
LO
Sf^
>5
03 C
>-3
c
^ J3
^.
J J3
^
« ><
J3 J=
rt cj
»(»
Ui'^
ucj
5^ — • CO C5 tU
S. 3
^JO ^
S> »J u -^
Oh
Q
<
O
^ f^r
C/2
w
W
t5
t^ ft, fe
o> in
a IS
v o
be m
S « Id «
i35 E^ ft, M
K :J ■< "^
S H H O
2 w o w
"3 ffi O O
^ 33
GYNANDRIA,
10
MONCECIA, &C.
O) O CO O -^ 03 CO '^ O O -O t^ O C5 CO CD r~ -< •* C> t~ Tp C) 2 J2
O r4 CO O Crj rt ^ CO CO CI O) Ol Ol ^ CO '?) " 1^ ■C">' '>' JJ CO ^ S
w
1^
• <
<
^3
O
g d
Ix
2°
J
O
o 2
fu
K Pi
<1
!»
Pi
*5
^^
<:
P S"
?r;
o ,^
„C3 CD
E Sm
M
-2 rf^;
l"!,o
H
i-^'t
Z
-^'m 3
w
s: 5 a
^ 5 .
tn
C3 ^;--3
02
<
■£ §^
V a>
K°-«
••^ "1
S o^
feS^
■3-3 m
•ft
Kisg
— a
P3
s
>; w !^, M -a
.J . -S •< a " K S
? .? ^ fc e 5- 'J 3 a 'i S
a K ~ J^ C ;:^-^ f- :; v >~ ?;
g o ^
io 5 c" f=^ ■§
■Sf^s^
Q
IS
o
Q
TO
fa
H
Eh
02
W
CO
<:
J
o
5 J
£.— § -T3 g C J a, ,J3 01 o m £ c a, o 3
S ru =^ o 2 S cS ^-^ g . t; „; ^ cj S S"
IVgg^l- -S trsgSg^'-
s ^
& &■.
*^ 2
il
'S, a, a-
-^^•^
&3 Cc to
'saaHX
saaaiig
MONffiCIA, &C.
11
CRYPTOGAMIA-
JCSO'MOOCOOOQOOtNO'ICDlO'MCOCiO—IOCJt^COCSO^C)— I-HIO
T-iT-l rn T-1
•iicst^ in 0IOQ0C5O
^
14
J: S: •
~S >
^■o r:
- ° S S > -r? rfi «i^ -
^-^ rt t--»— : -S ^ ^ bi
o 5 - S "> :/i '-s ii 3 c
O 0>« ~~> m
•r .s g r« m 3 « ? 2
o oi — ^ "^ a I
8 5 s = =» . o
^^ oi CO _,.—• rt rt
g^£.pPHfeg2&H
•-; '5 •- ""
« 5 " >
tC «
Ti-^f^
1^^"
Is
^1
o
■3 0.
^■•3
'E 3
!?^
'•" m
3-0
(A Ul
,t=s
rt ni
I-. t-t
"^^
.T^.ti
^ii
vt O
0 0
0-3 '^'l'> §>
— ^O o ^ "-^
5s Jl 5-1
'E.'S M &£■ ?
£ "H, C "= 03 ^~
O C "■' CS.Q s
So o a "J
.;: o c o 2 a
w m w TO 0) *j
t- (_ fc, I- r- O
.p:^-T3
•^ cP^2
!=--S P.
i^
[Infi, fct, fetl
ABBREVIATIONS.
Very few abbreviations or arbitrary characters are used in tliis work. The impressions-
made by them upon the mind of the learner, even wlien well understood, are believed to
be less vivid than those conveyed by a full and fair type. Abbreviated words, however,
will occasionally be found, but as they are only those of more Irequent usage and are sim-
ply shortened by the omission of the last letters or syllables, they will occasion little difficul-
ty to the learner. Some of iheni are as follows ;
ace. accumbent.
ach. achenia.
CBStiv. aestivation.
(Uter. alternate.
ajnplex. amplexicaul,
ann. annual.
anth. anther.
Apr. April.
Aug. August.
axiil. axillary.
bien. biennial.
col. calyx.
cor. corolla.
Dec. December.
decid. deciduous.
dichot. dichotomous.
ell. elliptical.
einars- emarginate.
fpig. epigynous.
F(rb. February.
Jil. filament,
fl. flower.
Jls. flowers.
fr. fruit.
/(. foot.
hrt. head. hdf. heads.
hijp. hypogynous.
ivibr. imbricate.
inf. inferior.
invol. involucre.
irreg. irregular.
Jan. January.
Jti. June.
Jl. July.
leg. legume.
Ivs. leaves.
lorn, loment.
Mar. March.
Nov. November.
Oct. October.
opp. opposite.
ova. ovary.
ped. peduncle.
per perennial.
pet. petal.
perig. perig^'nous.
recept. receptacle.
reg. regular.
seg. segment.
Sept. September.
sta. stamens.
stig. stignja.
sds. seeds.
It is aside from the design of a work purely elementary' like the present, to burden its
pages with long lists of synonyms and authorities. Of the former we have introduced
only such as have been in more general use among us, and are adopted in such works as
those of Torrey, Nultall, Beck, Bigelow, Eaton, &c. In regard to authorities lor specific
and generic names, we quote none except where .synonyms are introduced, or where we
are indebted to colemporary authors of our own country. These names are sometime*
quoted in full type ; others are abbreviated as follows ;
Aitt Alton. Hook. Hooker. Pfts. Persoon.
jB«>. Bigelow. Jus. Jussieu. Poir. Poiret.
Br. Brown. L. Linnaeus. P. Pursh.
Dr. DeCandolle. Lind. Lindley. Raf. Rafinesque.
Darl. Darlington. Imtji. Lamark. Rich. Richard.
Desf. Desfontaines. Lee. Le Come. Spr. Sprengel.
Dew. Dewey. L' Her. L'Heretier. Sw. Swartz.
Ell. Elliot. Manch. Mcenchauson. S^n. Smith.
Ea. Eaton. MuJi. Muhlenberg. T. ^ G. Torrey and Gray.
G-n. Gmelin. Mr. or M. Michaux. Tor. Torrey.
Groii. Gronoviiis. N. or Nutt. Nuttall. W. Willdenow. &c.
OF THE
NORTHERN SECTIONS OF THE U. STATES,
PARTICULARLY OP
FIRST GRAND DimtSION,
PH.ENOGAMIA OR FLOWERING PLANTS.
Plants consisting of a regular axis of growth with leafij appendages ;
composed of a cellular^ vascular and ligneous structure ;
developing flowers and producing
seeds.
SUBDIVISJON FIRST,
EXOGENS OR DICOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS.
Stem composed of distinct bark and pith with an intervening layer
of woody fibre and vessels. Growth by annual, concentric,
■exteinal zones or layers. Leaves mostly with reticulated veins
and falling off by an articulation. Sepals and petals in 5s and
4s much oftener than in 3s. Embryo with 2 opposite, or several
whorled cotyledons.
CLASS I. ANGIOSPERMS.
Ovules produced within an ovary and fertilized by the pollen
through the medium of the pistil, becoming seeds enclosed in
a PERICARP. Embryo with two opposite cotyledons.
SUBCLASS I. POLYPETALJ5.
Floral envelops usually consisting of both calyx and corolla, the
latter composed of distinct petals.
B
KANUSCULACE,E, 14
ORDER I. RANUNCULACE^. The Crowfoot Tribe.
Calyx — Sepals usually 5, sometimes 3, 4 or 6f mostly decMuous and imbricate in oEstivation.
f'oToUa — Petals '3 — 15, sometimes 0, hypogyiioHs.
Stamftis — Indefinite, numerous, distinct, hypo^^nous ; — anthers adnate or innate.
Ovaries — Numerous, rarely solitary or few, seated on the torus.
Fruit — Achenia, baccate or follicular.
A moderately large order of plants, g-enerally herbs, in a few instances climbing-. The
leaves, Which are mostly aiierwate, are variously divided, with half-clasping petioles. Very
few of the genera are found in hot climates.
Properties. Almost all the genera contain an acrid juice highly prejudicial to animal
life, but easily decomposed and deprived of its activity by a heat of 212 deg. They also
lose tlieir poisonous qualities in drying. This order is rich in ornamental cultivated plants.
Conspectus of the Genera.
1 ; anthers introrse ; / '""'■'=""^'' "^''^"^ "^ °''''^"?' j^'""":, \
' ' ( racemes long, virgate, Cimiafuga. 2
J-. I petals not spurred; flowers erect, NIgelki. ^17
' I petals spurred, equal ; flowers iiodiVing,- A'juilegia. I'i
'ju 1.» J o ^ . ( corolla irregular ; sepals 5, | "PPCT'^'"= f P^^^ed at base, mphmmm. 10
Styles ^2 — 3; ) 6 i i ' | upper one large, vaulted, Aronitum. 14
I corolla regular; fruit follicular, Peronia. 10
( fruit acheiiiT • ) '^■*- entiWor palmately div. Ranunculus. 4
r petals 5-1.5 ; ' { Y^"--"^' P''"!'"'^'/ '"^ided, Mo^. 15
( fruit follicn • leaves eauline, Trolhus. 12
.„_,..! Uruit lollicu., I leaves radical, Coptis. 11
■''1 f involucre calyx-like, near the flower, Hepatica. 7
I petals 0, the! involucre leal-like, distant from the flower, Anemone. ($
[ calyx colrd.; ! I Ivs. opposite ; stem climbing, Cle7nuti.s. 5
I involucre 0; J ( 2-3-ternate, T/ialirtrmn. 3
( Ivs. alternate, I simple, Caltka. 'J
( 2 only, Hydrastis. 8
1. ACTiE' A.
Calyx 4-sepalcd, deciduous; petals 4, often wanting; stig-
ma 1 ; berry 1-cellcd, man^-seeded ; seeds hemispherical.
Gr . ax-Tt), the elder, which plant these herbs resemble in foliage. Cal. infe-
rior, of four circular, obtuse sepals. Pet. oblong, clawed. Fii. about 30, dilated
above. Aiith. 2-lobed. Ova. ovate. Stig. sessile. Berry globular, smooth,
with a lateral furrow. Seeds in two rows. — Perennial herbs with palmately
divided leaves.
1. A. RUBRA. B. A. Americana, P.
Leaves twice and thrice ternate ; raceme hemispherical ; petals acute ; pedi-
cels of the fruit slender; berries red, ovate-oblong. Not uncommon in rocky
woods, and rarely found in the borders of fields. The stem divides into two
branches, one of which usually bears leaves only, the other, leaves and a btinch
of flowers. The leaves are irregularly 2 and 3-ternute with leaflets ovate-
lanceolate, variously lobed and cut. Petioles lengthened, smooth as well as
nearly the whole plant. Raceme of flowers dense, white. Pedicels smallest
in their midst. Plantabout2feethigh, slightly glaucous. May. Red Baiuberrij.
2. A. ALBA. B. A. Americana, /3 alba. P.
Leaves twice and thrice ternate; rficeme oblong; petals truncate; pedicels
of the fruit thicker than the peduncle ; berries white. Resembles the foregoing
in foliage and habits, but is readily distinguished bj' the racemes, wl>ic!*- are
narrower and much longer, by the thickened pedicels and tiie milk-white
fruit. U'hitc Buncberry.
KANDNCCLACE^.
^5 RANeNeCLES.
2. CIMICI'FUGA.
Calyx 4— 5-sepaled ; corolla 4— 6-petaIed, sometimes want-
ing; follicles 1 — S, oblong, many-seeded.
Lat. cimex, a hug,fugo, to drive away, imJieating a certain supposed prop-
erty of one of tiie species. Plants herbaceous.
C. RACEMO'S.'V.. Ells. Actaea racemosa. P.
Leaves ternately decompound; lenflcts ovate-ob'long, eut-dentate ; ramncs
very long ; capsules follicular, dry, dehiscent, ovate ; s/ylel. A tali, leafy pknt,
with the aspect of an Actaea, found in upland woods. Stern 4—8 feK high
with lono- panicled racemes of white sepaled, and monogynous flowers. Pe-
tals small, 4—6. Stamens about 100 to each flower, giving the raceme the
appearance of a long and slender plume. Flowers very fetid. The Indians
use the root to cure the bite of the Rattle-snake. Jn. Jl. Per. Black Snake-root,
3. THALI'CTRUM.
Calyx 4— 5-sepaled, colored; corolla 0; seeds without
awns.
Said to be from BuXXa), to begreen. Sepals roundish, concave, deciduous.
Fil. numerous, compressed, dilated upwards, longer than calyx. Ovaries su-
perior, numerous. Sty. 0. Stig. many. Achenia ovate.
1. T. DIOI'CUM.
Very smooth; leaves decompound; leaflets roundish, with obtuse lobes;
fiUments filiform ; fluwers dioecious. Herb 1 or 2 feeihigh, growing jn mead^
ows and woods. Stem striate, jointed. Leaflets paler beneath, w^th o to /
rounded lobes or teeth. Flow^s in -long-stacked panicles, bepals o e/s woolly in a long cylindrical head.'" N. Y. Vt. Lebanon, N H.
Plant 2 feet high, the diverging, subumbelled peduncles a thiid as long. Flow-
ers pale yellow, large, solitary. Heads of carpels an inch in length. May. Jn.
5. A. MULTi'fiDA. Do. a. Hudsoniana. Rich.
Hairy; /ear cs ternately divided; segments cuneiform, 3 cleft, gashed, the
lobes linear acute, those of the involucre and involucels similar, on short pe-
tioles; sepals 0 — 8, oval-obtuse. About a foot high. Flowers white, yellow,
red or purple. Sepals covered witii a silky pubescence outside. In the val-
leys of the Hudson and Ct.
6. A. CORONA'RIA.
Leaves ternate, with multifid segments and linear, mucronate lobes ; senals
6, oval, close. From Levant. A hardy flowering plant, with large, single or
double variegated flowers. May. Puppy Anemone.
8. A. horte'nsis.
Leaves 3-parted, with crenate, cut-dentate lobes ; invnl. sessile, of oblong,
entire or cut leaflets; sepals 10 — 12, oblong. From Italy. A fine garden
species, with double and semidouble varieties of red, white and blue flowers.
May. Star .'humonc.
Anemonies prefer a fresh, loamy soil. The root is commonly planted in
October, but if planted every month they flower every month.
7. HEPA'TICA.
Involucre of 3 bracts, entire, resembling a calvx: calyx of 6
— 9 petaloid leaves, disposed in 2 or 3 rows: achenia awnless.
Gr. 'riTfo.'ciy.oi, of the liver; the three lobes of the leaf have been compared
lo the three lobes of the liver. Invol. of 3, ovate obtuse, hairy leaflets, situ-
ated on the scape a short distance below the colored calv-x. A small genus of
.small perennial herbs.
H. TRI LOBA. Chaiz. Anemone Hepatica. L.
Leaves trilobate, the lobes entire; scape one-flowered, hairy. This little
plant is one of the earliest harbingers of spring, often putting forth its neat and
elegant flowers in the neighborhood of some lingering snow-bank. The root con-
sists of numerous and strong fibres. Leaves all radical, on long, hairy petioles,
smooth, evergreen, coriaceous, divided into 3-lobes which suggestall its names.
Flowers on scapes 3 or 4 inches long, solitary, numerous, generally blue, but
EAN0NCULACEJE. 21 l^ELPHINIUM.
frequently in varieties of white and flesh-color. They are also sometimes
double. In respect to the form of the leaves there are two varieties :
a., ohtuga, lobes obtuse, rounded;
/3. acuta, lobes acute.
Grows in woods, the former variety prefering the south side of hills, the latter,
the north. In the garden, it makes a fine border flower. April.
Livericort. Early Anemone.
8. HYDRA'STIS.
Calyx 3-sepaled; corolla 0 ; berrj composed of one-seeded
acines.
Gr. 'f^^g, water; in reference to the humid places in which it grows.
Cal. of 3, ovate, regular, colored leaves, a little longer than the numerous fil.
Sty. numerous.
H. Canade'nsis.
Stem with 2 alternate leaves above, which are petiolate, emarginate at base,
palmate with 3—5 lobes; peduncle terminal, solitary, 1-flowered. The only
species. In bog meadows. The root is of a deep yellow color internally.
Stem 6 — 9 inches high, becoming purplish, hairy above. Flowers solitary,
white, of short duration. Fruit resembling the raspberry, red and juicy.
May. June. Turmeric-root.
9 . C A L T H A .
Sepals 5, orbicular; petals 0; capsules 5 — 10, one-celled,
many-seeded.
Gr. y.aXct.&oi, a goblet ; in allusion to the form of the yellow calyx which
may be well compared to a golden cup. Sep. petaloid, inf. Nee. 0 ; Fil. many,
shorter than sep. Ova. 5 — 10, obi. compr. erect. Styles 0. — Aquatic herbs.
C. PALU'STRIS.
Stem erect; leaves cordate, suborbicular, acute, crenate. A smooth, hand-
some, early flowering plant, native of wet meadows, which it adorns with a
profusion of dark green leaves and bright yellow flowers. Root large, branch-
ing. Stem about a foot high, hollow, round, dichotomous. Lower leaves on
loner, semi-cylindric foot-stalks. Upper ones sessile, all of a deep, shining
green, veiny and smooth. Flowers of a golden yellow in all their parts, on
simple, axillary stalks. The outer row of filaments twice as long as the inner,
club-shaped. The young leaves are in great request in spring for greens. A
variet}', with double flowers is cultivated in gardens. May. Per.
Cowslips. Mci^sh Marygold.
10. DELPHI'NIUM.
Calyx of 5 sepals, colored, the upper one spurred ; corolla
4-petaled, very irregular, terminating behind in a tubular,
nectariferous spur, enclosed in the spur of the calyx; styles
1 or 3; follicles 1 or 3.
Gr. 2i\. ln-p'..rviRms, in several row*, imbricate, in. restivatioii
>Vn.— Indefmiv li\ :'--■' n-u^, disiincl, -,villi short fdiiuu-uts aud adiuue anthers.
Oi-a.— Sevcnil. ii! m:.; > ,n\v< upon an rloji-aled toru;,^
J?f .—Follicular, I r ljai.L-j.lc, I— •J-.-.-i-ded. ,, , ,
6V,,._Auached U) th« laiicr .snlure of the carpels from wliicli [in Maguoha] tiiey are suspen-
ded by a long;, delicate funiiuhis.
An order containing but lew genera, includiuR, however, some of the most splendid and
iJiajestic forest trees. The Southern States seem to be the region ot most ol Iheni. Cliiua,
Japan and llie Indies coma in a tew- . . , , ... ■ ■ i
Proptrlies The bark of tlie species mentioned below contains an intensely bitter pnuciplo,
which i.s tonic aud stimulating, and the corollas are aromanc beyond almost all other flowers.
Genera.
Tarpel^ dehicent bv the dors3.1 suture, seeds pendulous, . . . Magnolia, 1
•Carpels indehiceut,' seeds eiiclo.sod, not peudulou.s, . - • Linodtndron, '^
1 . M A G N O ' L I A .
Sepals 3 — 5; petals 6—12, caducous; carpels 2-valved,
1 — 2-seeded, imbricated into a cone ; seeds baccate, subcor-
date and suspended.
Named in honor of Pierre Magnol, physician and botanist of Montpelier,
France, author of ' Botanicum Montpeliense,' l(i7G. A superb genus, con-
sisting mostly of large trees, with luxuriant foliage, and large, fragrant flowers.
1. M. CLAU'CA.
Leaves oval, glaucous beneath; vetah obovate, tapering to the base. _^Thia
species is native in N. Eng. pa,rtictilarly at Gloucester; RIs, and in the Middle
n
menispermacejE. 26 liriodenj.ron.
States. The tree is about 25 feet in hight, remarkable only for the beauty of
its foliacre and flowers. The leaves are smooth and entire, of a regularly ellip-
tical form, remarkably pale beneath. Flowers terminal, white, solitary, of 3
sepals and several concave petals, appearing in July. White Bay.
2. M. grandiflo'ra.
This is the noblest species. Although inferior in size to the Tulip-tree, yet
no tree of the Americati forests can compare with the stateliness of its form
or the magnificence of its foliage and flowers Its ordinary stature is about
60, rarely 75 or 80 feet, with a diameter of 1 — 3 feet, The trunk is nearly
straight, covered with a greyish bark, bearing a pyramidal summit. Foliage
e.xceedingly rich and shining. Flowers white and fragrant, nearly a foot broad,
and often very numerous, presenting the most brilliant display of vegetable
luxuriance tliat can be imagined. It is common in the Southern States, but
not found farther north than Pennsylvania. Big-Laurel. Magnolia.
3. M. acumina'ta.
Leaves oval, acuminate, pubescent beneath ; petal sohoxaie, obtusish. Grows
near the falls of Niagara, but is more abundant in the S. States. It is a noble
forest tree, equal in size to the preceding. Trunk perfectly straight, bearing
an ample and regular summit. Leaves very acuminate. Flowers o — 6 inches
in diameter, bluish, sometimes yellowish white, numerous and finely contrasted
with the rich dark foliage. Cones of fruit about 3 inches long, cylindric,
bearing some resembla.nce to a small cucumber. May. Cucumber Tree.
2. LIRIODE'iNDRON.
Calyx o-loaved ; petals 6 ; seeds ending in a scale ; carpels
imbricated in a cone.
Gr. Xiiptov, a lily, dii/a^ov, a tree. The flowers, which may be likened to'
lilies or tulips, grow upon one of the loftiest trees of the forest.
1. L. tulipi'fera.
Leaves truncate at the end, vi^ith 2 lateral lobes. The Tulip {ree,both in
respect to its size and beauty, is one of the most remarkable in the American
forests. It is found in the southern part of Ms. thence in the Atlantic States
to Carolina, but is especially abundant in the Western States. It is ordinarily
about 80 feet high, with a diameter of 2 or 3 feet ; but along the Ohio and Mis-
sissippi rivers trees of this kind have been not unfrequently found nnieli ex-
ceedinir 100 feet in bight, with a diameter of 4 — (J feet, inferior in dimensions
only to the Pine. The trunk is perfectly straiglit and cylindric, and the
branches disposed with much regularity. In June and July it puts forth
numerous large and brilliant flowers, variegated with different colors, among
which yellow predominates. They are solitary, terminal, fragrant. The foli-
ao-e is very luxuriant, dark green, smooth, on long petiole.^. The wood is
considered valuable for tarious kinds of lumber. Tulip Tree.
ORDER V. MENISPERMACE^. The ■Moon-seed Tribe.
JV5.— Di.-scious. . ... , . ... , . ,
Cjx/.—Sepals 3— 8, in a double series, 2 — l in each, imbricated in pcstivation, hypofr., tlccKi.
;<,7n.— DisUnc.t or nionadelphouSj equal in number to the petals and oppo.site to them, or 3
Anth.—lnn-dlc and consisting of 4 globose lobe.s. (or 4 times as iitony.
Oua.— Usually solitary, sometimes 2— 4.— Pruir,- a drupe, glcbose-renilorm.
BEEBKRIDACEJE.
57
This order is neither large nor important. Most of the genera which compose it are natives
of Tropical Asia and America. They are mostly twining shrubs or herbs. The only .Nor-
thern genus is Menispermum. _ ..,-.• , » f ,„:„„
Provertieis. A few plants of this order contain a bitter principle m their rool.s. A foreign
species of Menispermum vields the Colimibo of the shops, whicli is a valuable tome ; and
aiiother genus, Anamirta coculus of India, furnishes the ImJian cockle, so intoxicating to hshes.
MENISPE'RMUM.
Flowers dioecious; sepals 4— -8, in a double row; petal 4-^
7, minute, retuse. Sterile Fl. Stamens 12— 20. Fertile Fl.
Ovaries and styles 2 — 4; drupes 1-seeded, seed lunate and
compressed.
Gr. f^rivr,, the moon, oTriQfAo., seed; on account of the crescent form of
the fruit.
M. Canade'nse.
Stem climbing ; leaves cordate, roundish, angular, peltate, the petiole insert-
ed near the base : racemes co\iipound; petals 8. In woods and hedges. Stem
8 or 10 feet long, with alternate leaves about 5-angled, and on long stalks.
Flowers in axillary clusters, small yellow. The root is perennial, and is used
in medicine as a tonic. July, fi, lobatum hsiS leaves lohed. Moon-sccd.
ORDER VI. BERBERIDACE^. The Berherry Tribe.
Cal —Sepals 3— 4— G, imbricate in two rows, often reinforced by petah .id scales
/>r._Hypoln«^t.— Generally opening by recurved valves, extrorse.
Oa.— One-celled, solitary, simple. Style often lateral. Shg- often lateral or peltate.
Ft. — Berried or capsular. , , , , , ,„
Sds.—One or few, attached to the bottom of cell, or many, attached to lateral placentaj.
A small order mhabiting the Temperate Zones. Some genera, as the Podophyllum and
Jeflersonia, possess cathartic properties. Others, as the Berberis, contain in their Iruits
malic and oxalic acid. Li habit they are generally herbaceous, only a few attaining to the
structure of shrubs.
Conspectus of the Genera.
( Petals S, flower on a scape, .Tefferxnnia. 3
( Leaves not peltate ; | Petals 6, with a scale at base, Lenntice. 4
Herbs,perennial; I Leaves peltate; stamens numerous, . . • Podophyllum. 2
Shrubs, With yellow tlovvers and irritable filaments, .... herben.^. l
1. BE'RBERIS.
Calyx 6-sepaled, inferior; corolla 6-petaled ; two glands at
the base of each petal; style 0; berry 1-celled.
Name derived from the Arabic. Sep. 6, obovate, spreading, colored, the ,3
iouter smaller. Pet. 6. roundish. Fil. flattened. Anth. 2 separate lobes on
the opposite edires of the connectile. Ber. oblong, pulpy, 1-celled. Seeds 2, 3.
Fine hardy shrubs.
B. vulga'ris.
Racemes pendulous, spines 3-forked ; serratures of the leaves terminated by
eoft bristles. A well known bushy and ornamental shrub, loving hard grav-
elly soils. Grows 3— 5 feet high. Leaves obovate, serrate, well d^istinguishe4
by their bristly serratures. Flowers yellow, in hanging clusters. The stameiis
BERBKRIDACEiE. 28 LEONTICC.
on being touched exhibit a remarkable degree of irritability by springing vio-
lently against the stigma. Berries oblong, scarlet, very acid, and when boiled
with sugar form an agreeable jelly. The bark of the root dyes yellow. Jn.
Berberry Bush..
2. PODOPHY'LLUM.
Calyx of 3 sepals, caducous; corolla G — 9-petalled ; stamens
numerous, with linear anthers; berrj 1-telled. crowned with
the single stifrnia.
Gr. TFO'ji, -T^odoi, a foot and CpvyXav, a leaf; in allusion to the long, firm
petioles. Cal. of 3, oval, obtuse, concave leaves, falling when the flower ex-
pands. Pet. obov. concave, smooth, longer than stam. Anth. as long agaia
as til. Fr. large, ovate. Low neat herbs.
P. PELTATUM.
Leaves peltate, lobed ; fioircrs 3. Grows in woods and cultivated grounds,
especially common in Western N. Y. It is among our more curious and inte-
resting plants. Grows about a foot high. Stem round, sheatlied at base, erect,
dividing into '2, round leaf-stalks, between which grows the flower. The leaves
are large, smooth, deeply divided into 5 — 7 lobes, which are each 2-parted and
dentate at the end. They are often peltate, but generally separate at base
quite to the petiole. The flower is stalked, drooping, white with a 3-leaved,
caducous calyx, and a corolla of about G petals, often more, curiously reticula-
ted with veins. Fruit about the size of a plum, ovate, yellowish, acid, eatable,
ripening early. The root is cathartic. May. ?ct. May afptc. Wild Mandrake.
3. JEFFERSO'NIA.
Calyx of 4 sepals, colored, deciduous; corolla of 8 petals,
incurved, spreading ; stamens 8, surrounding the ovary ; cap-
sules obovate, stipitate, opening by a circumscissile dehiscence.
Named after President JeiFerson.who was distinguished as a patron of science.
Small plants, remarkable cluefly for the curious structure of the capsule, which
opens like a snuti'-box.
J. diphy'lla.
Acaulescent ; pedimcles naked, l-Rowered; hares in pn'iis. A singular little
plant, half a foot hio-h, growing in calcarious soils, N. Y. and Ohio. Petioles
all radical, each bearing at the top a pair of binate leaves, which are placed
base to basif, and broader than long, ending in r^n obtuse point. Bracts lanceo-
late, entire, at the bases of the petioles. Scape as long as the petioles, 1 -flow-
ered. Flowers large, regular, white, starlike. The capsule opens only half
round, and has, therefore, a persistent lid. Thia plant has, in Ohio, the repu-
tation of a stimulant and antispasmodic, and is there significantly termed
Rheumatism Root
4. LEO'NTICE.
Calyx 6-sepaled, inferior; corolla 6-pctaled ; cells of the
anther opening at the edge; capsule berry-like, 1-celled.
Gr. >.tojVj a lion ; the leaf is likened to a lion's foot-track. Nectaries (i,
attached to the claws of the petals. Seed naked and stiped after having burst
its caducous pericarp.
KELPMBIACEJE. ^9 NELtTMBICM.
h. TIIALICTROI'DES. L. Canlophyllum thalictroides. Mx.
Smooth ; leaves h\teTnaie and triternate ; leaflets oval, the lower ones petioled
and lobed ; the terminal one 3-lobed. A handsome herbaceous plant, commen
in woods. Stem one or two feet high, dividing at the top into two branches,
one of which is a thrice conipountied leaf-stalk ; the other bears a twice com-
pounded leaf and a small racemose panicle of flowers. Leaves dark green,
resembling those of the Thalictrym, and still more those of the Columbine
.(Aquilegia.) May. Per. Fujjpoose Hoot.
ORDER VII. CABOxMBACE.E. ne Watcr-Targct Trile.
Cal. — Sepals 3 — I, cnlored inside.
Cor. — Petals 3 — 1. alteniatc* with the sepals.
Sla. — Hypogynous, either G or mure tliun 17; anth. innate.
Ova. — '2 or more ; stig. simple.
Fr. — Indehiseent, tijiped by the hardened style.
^s. — Globular, pendulous.
A small order of aquatic plants, ■(vith centrally noltate, floatinff leaves, and yellow or pur-
■ple flowers., which are axillary and solitary. I'he two genera which alone compose this
order are both American, and arc timnd t'rom Cayenne, S. A. to N. Jersey. The Braseniii
ot'Torrey antl -Gray's Flora, [Hydropeltis of Michaux] is found still larther north.
BRASFJNIA.
Sepals 3 — 4, colored within, persistent. Petals 3 — 4;
stamens IS — 36 ; ovaries 6 — 18 ; carpels oblong, ovate, 2, or
by abortion, 1-seeded.
Eng. brassct signifies a helmet or target. Curious water-plants, with a leaf
like a shield. The stem, peduncles, and lower surface of the leaves, covered
■with a gelatinous and viscid transparent substance.
B. PELTA'ta. p. Hydropeltis purpurea. Mx.
Leaves peltate, oval, entire ; ■peduncles solitary, 1-flowered. An aquatic
plant of curious structure. It inhabits u)t.iddy shores and pools usually in
company with the water lily (NymphsBa.) The leaves are elliptical, on lonor
fle.xible petioles, floating on the surf ice of the water, smooth and siiining above,
purplisli beneath. It is very exactly peltate, .tlie stalk being inserted in the cen-
tre. The whole plant e.xcept the U[)per surface of the leaves is covered with
a slimy mucilage. Flowers purple, on long, slender stalks. July. Per.
WuLer Tarsei.
ORDER IX. NELUMBIACEiE. The miumho Tribe.
Ch/.— Sepals 4—5.
Ojr. — Petals numerous, in many rows, arising- from without the disk.
Sla. — Numerous, in several rows ;_/?/. petaloid; anth. adnate. introrse.
Oca. — Ntimerous, separate, -with a simple style and stiffina, half enclosed in hollows of the
Fr. — A nut, g-enerally one-seeded. [elevated, fleshy and excessively enlarged torus.
>5y,«.^-Destitute of albumen, and ^vith a highly developed embryo.
This order comprizes but the sui^le genus, Nelumbiura, one of tlie species inhabiting the
still waters of tropical regions, and the other, of the United Stales. The nuts are eatable,
and indeed all other parts of the plant.
NELU'MBIUM.
The characters of the gengs the sa,nne as those of the order.
.Called in Ceylon, JVeluvtbo,
kymph^gaceje. ■ 30
N. LU'teUM. W. Cyamas Nelumbo. L.
Leaves peltate, orbicular, entire. A magnificent flowering plant, peculiar
to the nsuddy lakes and stagnant waters of the South and West, bnt is occa-
sionly met with in Ct. and N. Y. The rhizomacreeps in the mud at the bottom,
in depths of water from 2 or 3 to 10 feet. From this arise the simple scapes
and petioles, to the surface. I^eaves very large, smooth and verdant, round-
ish, the petiole inserted one side of the centre. They sometimes cover the
entire surface in large patches. The flowers bear a general resemblance to
the pond lily, but are several times larger, and want its fragrance. The petals
are broad and concave, of a brilliant white, becoming yellow towards the centre.
The nuts imbedded in the torus are about the size of acorns, and are roasted
and eaten as nuts by the Indians, or dried and pulverized into a bread meal.
ii'ater Clunquupin.
ORDER X. NYMPH J!:ACE^. TU, Water Uhj Tdbe.
Cal. — f Sepals and petals numerous, imbricated, g:ra(lnally passiiis into each other. S-^v
Cor. — I persistent. Pet. inserted upon ihe diisk -which .surrounds the pistil.
Sta. — Numerou.s, in several rows upon the disk. Fil. pelaloid. Antk. adnate, intror.se.
Ova. — Many-celled, many-seeded, surrounded by a fleshy disk.
Sds. — AUaehed io the spongy placenta;, and enveloped by a gelatinous aril.
A small order of aquatic plants, inhabiting the northern hemisphere- The general aspect
of these plants is that of an endogen- but they have two foliaceous cotyledons. — The stems
of the >.'ympha?ace.'e contain a powerful astringent principle, which is removed by repeated
washnig in water, after which they are tasteless, and may be used for food.
Two of the genera are tbuiul in the Northern States; Nijmphfea, winch has flowers of
a white or rose color, and Nvphnr, with yellow flowers.
1. NYMPPK^'A.
Calyx of 4 or 5 sepals ; corolla of numerotts petals inserted
on tile disk; stamens giadually transformed into petals; stig,
suriounded with rays; pericarp many-celled, many-seeded.
The Greek JS'ijviph or Naiad of the waters. Beatitiful aqtratic plants.
N. odora'ta.
Leaves orbicular, cordate, entire, tlie lohes arnminate and veins projninent
beneath ; calyx equaling the petals, 4-leaved. The White Water Lily is truly
one of the most lovely of flowers, possessinor beaoty, delicacy and fragrance
in the highest degree. It grows onl^' in ponds and quiet streams, wheie the
water is of sufficient depth to protect the plant from the frosts of winter. The
rhizoma is several inches in diameter, extending in its muddy bed beneath the
water, to a great length, and seniHng up leaves and flowers to the surface. The
leaves are nearlv round, entire, of a fine glossy green, cleft at the base to the
petiole, and floating on the surface of the water. The flowers consist of four
sepals, white within, numerous, lance-shaped petals of tlie most delicate white-
ness, often tinged externally with red, and a great number of yellow stamens
beautifully carved. The filaments are gradually dilated from the inner to the
outer series, so as to pass insensibh- into petals. Flowers in July, sometimes
in such profusion as to mantle t!ie surface of the water, and perfume the air
with exquisitt! fragrance. Per. While Wata- Lily.
2. NUPHAR.
Calyx 5 — 6 sepaled ; corolla of numerous minute petals^
inserted with the truncated stamens ou the torus; stigma
SARRACENIACEJE.
31 SARRACENIA.
discoid, with prominent rays ; pericarp many-celled, many-
seeded.
From the Arabic name which ia navfar. Sep. oblong, concave, colored,
much larger than the pet. which are furrowed at the back. Fil. numerous,
linear. Anth. linear, 2-celled. Stig. circular, convex, with many radiating
clefts.
1. N. ADVE'NA. Mt. Nymphasa advena. Mx.
Calyx G-leaved ; fetals numerous ; margin of the stigma crenate ; lohcs of
the leaves divaricate. Very common in ditches, sluggish streams and muddy
lakes, often covering the entire surface with its leaves. A well-looking and
very curious plant, but from its filthy habits it has been called, with some jus-
tice, the frog lily. The stem (rhizoma) is large, creeping extensively. Leaves
laro-e. dark green, shining above, and, when floating, pale and slnny beneath.
Pefioies half-round. Flowers rather large and globular in form, erect on a
thick, rio-id stalk. Its most conspicuous partis the calyx, of which the 3 outer
sepals are yellow inside, and the 3 inner entirely yellow, as well as the petals
and stamens. June, July. Per. Ydloic Pond Lily.
2. N. KaLMIA'NA. Jiit. Nymphffia Kalmiana. Mx.
Leaves cordate ; lobes approximate ; calyx 5-leaved ; stigmas gashed, 8—12
rayed. A smaller species with small yellow flowers, growing in similar situa-
tions with the last. The leaf is smaller, with a roundish petiole. July. Per.
Kalvls Pond Lily,
ORDER XI. SARRACENIACE^.
C«/.— Sepals 5, persistent, with a,3-leaved involucel at base. Estivation imbricate.
Cor. — Petals 5, unquiculate, hypog-ynous, concave.
.5«a.— Numerous, hvpogynous. .ji««A. oblong, adnate, introrse.
Om— 5-celled, placense central. ■! Sty. single. Stig. dilated, peltate, 5 -an|;led.
i?r.— Capsular, S-celled, 5-valved; crowned with the broad, persi-stant stigma.
Sds. — Numerous, minute.
An order consisting of two genera, one inhabiting the bogs of N. America, the other in
Guiana. In habit they are herbaceous, with fibrous roots and radical leaves, liaving hollow,
urn-shaped petioles [ascidia, 244] with an articulated lamina.
SARRACE'NIA.
Calyx of 5 sepals, with 3 small bracts at base; petals 5,
deciduous ; stigma very large, peltate, persistent, covering
the ovary and stamens; capsule 5 celled, 5-valved, many-
seeded.
Named for Dr. Sarrazen of Quebec, who first sent this genus to Tourefort
from Canada. The genus embraces six species, of which one only is native of
the N. Stales.
S. purpu'rea.
Leaves radical, decumbent, inflated, contracted at the mouth, winged on the
inside, much shorter than the scape, with the broad, cordate, erect lamina
articulated to the mouth. The Sarracenia, or Pitcher plant, as it is sometimes
called, is certainly one of the most curious of all plants. It grows in wet
meadows and on muddy shores, often in great abundance, where it is conspic-
uous for its tall, nodding, dark purple flowers. The leaves are large, composed
of a hollow, pitcher-form petiole, swelling in the middle, with a winged, wavy
PAPAVERACKJB. 32 CHELIDONIUM.
appendage extending lengthwise inside, and the cordate lamina as above, with
inversed hairs at the mouth. Their capacity, when of ordinary size, is about a
wine-glass, and they are generally full of water. The scape is a foot or more
high, round, smooth, supporting a large, nodding flower, which is almost as
curious in structure as the leaves. June. Per. Side-saddle Flower.
ORDER XII. PAPAVERACE.E. The Poppy Tribe.
Cal. — Sepals 2, rarely 3, deciduous, imbricated in rcstivation.
Ck>r. — Petals 4, rarely 5 or 6, hypog-ynous.
jSta.— Often numerous, but some multiple of 4, rarely polyadelphous. Anth. innate.
Oi'o, — Solitary, style short or 0. Stig. 2, or if more, stellate upon the flat apex of ovary.
Fr.— Either pod-shaped, with 2 parietal placentfE, or capsular with several.
Sds. — Very numerous, minute.
More than two-thirds of the genera of this order, which is small, are native of Europe.
Inhabit, they are herbaceous or shrubby, and hav£ a milky or turbid juice. Flowers mostly
showy, but never of a blue color. Almost all the genera contain active, narcotic properties,
principally resident in the turbid juices. The seeds are commonly rich in fixed oil. Thu
order contains many highly ornamental, cultivated plants.
Conspectus of the Genera.
( I.eaves unarmed, entirely green, cauline, . . . Chelirlonium. 2
f yellow ; ( Leaves armed with prickly'iteelli, blotclied with wliite, Argemone, 3
orange-red ; leaves radical, reniform; capsule terete, . . Sangumaria. 1
white ; leaves unarmed, caulinCj capsule globose, . . . Pn/iarcr. 4
colorless; leaves nmltifid with hnear segments ; capsule terete, ClirijseU. 5
1. SANGUINA'RIA.
Calyx 2-sepaled, caducous ; corolla 8-petaIed ; stamens nu-
merous; stigma 1, 2-lobed, sessile; capsule pod like, 1-celled,
2valved, many-seeded.
Lat. savffuis, blood ; all parts of the plant when wounded discharge a blood-
colored fluid. Sep. concave, falling as soon as the corolla expands. Petals
generally 8, in two series, the 4 outer ones longer, giving the flower a quad-
rangular outline. Anth. obi. yellow. Sty.O. Pod obi. ovate, acute at each end.
S. Canade'nsis.
Lcapes solitary, radical, reniform ; scope naked, 1 -flowered, sheathed at base;
petals spreading, regular. The only species. An interesting flower of fertile
woods, groves, &c. appearing in early Spring. Ilhizoma fleshy, tuberous,
and when broken or bruised, as well as every other part of the plant, exudes
a blood-colored fluid. From each bud of the root-stock there springs a single,
large, glaucous leaf, and a scape about G inches high, with a single flower.
The whole plant is smooth. The leaf is kidney shaped, with roundish lobes
separated by roundish sinuses. The flower is white, square and on a round
scape. It is scentless and of very short duration. The juice is emetic and
purgative. April. Per. Blood Rout.
2 . C H E L I D O' N I U M .
Calyx 2-sepaled, corolla 4-petalcd ; stamens numerous ; stifr-
1, small, sessile, hilid; capsule silique-form, linear, 2-valved,
1-celled ; seeds crested.
Or. %sXiS»i', the swallow; because it was thought to flower with the arri-
val of that bird, and to perish with Us departure. Sep. roundish. Pet. rouodiiih,
PAPAVERACEJE-
33
flat, narrowed at base. Fil. about 30, shorter than cor. Ova. long as stam.
Style 0.
C. MAJUS.
Leaves pumate, lobed, the segments rounded; floicers in umbels. A plant
found under fences, by road sides, &c. yielding a yellow juice. Stem 1 — 2
feet high with pinnate, glaucous, smooth, spreading leaves. Flowers yellow,
in thin, axillary, stalked umbels. Petals elliptical, entire, and like every other
part of the plant very fugacious. The juice is used to cure itch, and to destroy
warts. May— Oct. Per. Celandine.
3 . A R G E M O' N E .
Calyx 3-sepaled, caducous; petals 6; stamens numerous;
capsules obovate, half-valved.
From argema, a former name for the cataract of the eye, which was thought
to be cured by this plant. A small genus of annuals. Sep. roundish, con-
cave, pointed. Pet. roundish, larger than cal. Fil. as short as the cal. Stig.
sessile, capitate, 4 — 7-lobed. Caps, opening at tip by valves.
A. Mexica'na.
Leaves pinnatifid, gashed, spiny; fiowcrs a.iillary ; capsules 6-valved. A
weedy plant in cultivated fields, &c. about 2 feet high, with prickly stems
and leaves. It abounds in a milky juice which changes in the air to a fine,
briglit, gamboge yellow, and is said to be an active medicine, used for cutane-
ous eruptions, jaundice, sore eyes, fluxes, &c. Flowersyellow. Jl. Horn Pojjpij.
4. PAPA'VER.
Calyx 2-sepaled, caducous; corolla 4-petaled ; stamens
numerous ; capsule 1-celled, opening by pores under the broad,
persistent stigma.
Celtic, papa, pap, that is, a soft food given to children, in which the seeds
of the poppy were boiled to induce sleep. The species are all exotics.
1. P. somni'ferum.
Calyx and capsules smooth, /ear C5 clasping, gashed, glaucous. This and other
species of the Poppy is of a fine appearance, with large brilliant flowers, often
cultivated among the ornamental plants of the garden. Every part of it, but
more especially the capsule, abounds with a white milky juice, powerfully
narcotic, and which, vi'hen hardened inthe air, forms the opium of the shops.
The juice is obtained by incisions made in the capsule. For this purpose it
is extensively cultivated in Europe, Persia, Turkey and India. Opium acts
as a pov.'erful stimulus, followed by narcotic and sedative effects When taken
into the stomach it operates directly upon the nervous system, destroying irri-
tability and pain in the most distant parts of the body. In large doses, it
immediately induces stupor, followed by delirium, convulsions, apoplexy and
death. The use of opium as a stimulant cannot be too much reprobated. It soon
becomes an inveterate iiabit, impairing the digestive organs and consequent-
ly weakening the whole body. Tlie memory and all other intellectual powers of
its victims soon fail, they become prematurely old, and soon sink into the grave,
objects of loathing and pity. June, July. Ann. Opium Poppy.
2. P. Rh.eas,
Capsules smooth, nearly round ; stem many flowered, hairy; leaves cut-
pinnatifid. Naturalized and cultivated. About 2 feet high. Flowers very
F0MARIACE5;.
34
large and showy, of a deep scarlet red. Varieties are produced with various
shades of red and particolored flowers, more or less double. June, July. Ann.
Common Red Poppy.
3. P. Orienta'le.
Capsules smooth ; stems 1-flowered, rough ; haves scabrous, pinnate, serrate.
Native of Levant. Stem 3 feet high. Flowers very large and of a rich scarlet
color, too brilliant to be looked upon m the sun. June. Per. This, as well
as all other species, is of the easiest culture. Oriental Poppij.
5. CHRYSE'IS.
Calyx of 2 sepals, coherincj by their edges, caducous; pe-
tals 4 ; stamens numerous, adhering to the claws of the petals ;
stigmas 4 — 7, sessile, 2 — 3 of them abortive; capsule pod-
shaped, cylindric, 10-striate, many seeded.
Gr. XigviTHoi, golden, gilt; in reference to its large golden yellow flowers.
Annual herbs with glaucous, pinnatifid leaves. The juice, which is colorless,
exhales the odor of muriatic acid.
1. C. CaliFo'rNICA. Lind. Eschscholtzia Californica. Cham.
Stem branching, leafy ; torus obconic ; calyx ovoid with a very short, abrupt
acumination ; petals\ix\g\\i yellow, with an orange spot at base. A very showy
annual, common in our gardens. Native of California, Oregon, »fcc. The
foliao-e is smooth, abundant and rich, divided in a twice or thrice pinnatifid
manner into linear segments. Flowers 2 inches broad.
2. C, CRO'CEA. Lind. Eschscholtzia crocea. Cham.
Stem branching, leafy ; torus funnel-form, with a much dilated limb; cahjz
obconic, with a long acumination ; flowers orange yellow. From California.
Leaves and flowers as in the preceding, except the latter are more of a reddish
hue. Cultivated.
ORDER XIH. FUMARIACE^. The Fumitory Tribe.
Fls. — Irregular. Sep. 2. deriduous. . .
Cor.— Hvpoa;. 4-pctaled,' parallel, one or both of the outer, saccate, 2 inner cohering at apex.
Sta.--(i. cliadelphous ; Jil. dilated ; ant/i. adnata, extrorse, 2 outer, 1-celIed, middle, 2-ceUea.
Ona.— Superior, 1 -celled; sty. filiform; stig. with two or more points.
Fr.— Either an mdehiscent nut, 1— 2-seeded, or a pod-shaped capsule, msny-speded.
Sds. — Shinina:, ariled. , • , ■ u .
A small order, containing: several beautiful herbs, inhabiting thickets in the temperate
regions of the northern hemisphere. They have generally dehcate, bnttle stems, with
flowers arranged in racemes or cymes, purple, wliite or yellow. They possess no r^njart-
able action upon the animal economy.
Conspectus of the Genera.
{ fr. a pod-shaped caps. Conjdalis. 3
( only 1 of the outer, sacc. or spurred, ( fr. a subglobose nut, Fiimaria. 4
( distinct, I 'J outer equally saccate or spurred, .... Dielytra 2
Petals 1 united, base bigibbousj apex '1-lobed; climbing herbs, . *. . Adlurnm. I
1 . A D L U' M I A .
Calyx of 2 small sepals; petals 4, united in a fungous mo-
nopetalous corolla, persistent, bigibboys at base and 4-lobed
FUMARIACE.'E. 35
at apex; stamens united in 2 equal sets; pod 2-valved, many-
seeded.
Etymology unknown. A tall climbing annual.
A. CIRRHO'SA. Raf. Fumaria fungosa. JV. Corydalis fungosa. Perj.
SZcw climbing; leaves cirrhose ; cj/jncs nodding, axillary. A delicate climb-
er, native of rocky hills, known in our gardens by the name of Mountain
Fringe. Stem striate, many feet in length. Leaves decompound, divided in
a pimiate manner, ultimate divisions 3-lobed, smooth, their foot-stalks serving
for tendrils Flowers very numerous, in axillary, pendulous cymose clusters,
pale pink. Calyx minute. Corolla slightly cordate at base, of 4 petals united
into a spongy mass, cylindric, compressed, tapering upwards. 2-lipped. This
plant is of very rapid growth, of the easiest culture, and well adapted to the
arbour by its abundance of delicate foliage, and its profuse flowering, which
continues all summer. Per. Mountain Fringe.
2. DIELY'TRA.
Calyx of 2 small sepals; corolla of 4 petals, the two outer
equally spurred or gibbous at the base: stamens united in 2
sets of 3 in each ; pod 2-valved, many-seeded^
Handsome perennia;! herbs, of small stature.
1. D. CUCULLA'RIA. Dec Corydalis cticullaria. Pers.
Scape naked; raceme simple, 1-sided; spurs 2, divaricate, as long as the
corolla; style, included; root tuborcled. A smooth, handsome plant, pretty com-
mon in the woods of N. II. The root consists of a number of tubercles about
the size of peas, and of a briglit yellow color, collected togetlior in a scaly sack.
Leaves radical, a little glaucous", decompound, the last divisions linear oblong,
obtuse. The scape bears at top a short raceme of odd- looking flo\yers, white,
tipped with yellow. Calyx minute. Corolla distinguished at sight by the
2 obtuse, diverging spurs. Stam. 3 on each lip. May , Jn. Dutchman's breeches.
2. D. CaNADE'NSIS. T.SfG. Corydalis formosa. P.
Ptacemc naked, nodding, many-flowered ; spvrs 2, short, incurved ; style ex-
serted; root tuberous. This plant resembles the last, but is rather larger and
much more beautiful, both in lespect to its nodding cluster of rose colored
flowers and numerously divided leaves, which are decompound and very glau-
cous beneath. Flowers larger than in the last, with shorter spurrs. July.
Rose-colored Dlelytra.
3 . C O R Y' A L 1 S .
Calyx of 2 small leaves; corolla of 4 petals, one of which
is spurred at base; stamens 6, diadclphous ; pod 2-valved,
compressed, many-seeded.
The Greek name for the Fumitory, from which genus this, as well as the
two preceding, was taken. Filaments 6, united inio 2 equal sets by their broad
membranous bases, which sheath the ovary. Small herbs.
1. C. GLAUCA.
Stem erect, branched; haves glaucous, decompound, segments cuneate, 3-
cleft; bracts linear, minute; spur one; jiods linear, as long as the pedicel.
CRUCIFER^^E. 36
Found on rocky hills. A smooth, delicate, glaucous plant, about 1 foot high.
Root fusiform. The leaves both from the root and stem are variously subdi-
vided, mostly bitornate, with smooth leaflets about ;}-cleft, and together with
the whole plant, covered with a fine glaucous dust. The stem divides above
into an irrea'ular panicle, with very curious and delicate flowers. The cilyx
consists of 2 ovate acuminate leaflets, between which, placed crosswise, is
balanced the tul>ular, ringent corolla with closed mouth, and behind, a single,
rounded spur, the whole beautifully colored with alternating shades of light
red and yellow, and about iialf an inch long. On dry rocks, with little soil,
the plant is sometimes found with a simple :5tem,and a single terminal flower.
May — Aug. Bicnn. Glaucous Corydalis.
2. C. au'rea.
Stem branching, diff'use ; leaves bipinnated ; Irafle.ts linear-lanceolate, lobed,
acute at each end; racemes one-sided, opposite tlie leaves and terminal;
bracts lanceolate, 'S times as long as the peduncle. About a foot high, with,
finely divided leaves. Flowers yellow, about half as long as the slender,
terete, torulose pods which succeed them. May, Aug. Ann. Golden CorijUalis.
4. FUMA'RIA.
Calyx 2-sepalecl ; corolla 4-petaled, one of the petals spur-
red at base; tilaments in 2 sets each, with 3 anthers; nut
ovate or globose, 1 -seeded and valveless.
Lat. fumus, smoke, from its disagreeable smell The species are handsome
annual weeds. Cal. caducous, inf Cor. irregular, tubular, spreading at the
apex. Fil. as in Corydalis.
F. officina'lis.
Sfcm branching, spreading. Leaflets crenate . lanceolate; caj'sulc a globose-
retuse nut. A small erect plant, common in sandy fields and about gardens.
Leaves supra-decomi)ound, the last divisions linear-lobed, dilated upwards.
Flowers purple, in rather loose racemes. Pedicels in fruit erect, twice as long
as the bracts. July— Aug. Ann. Fumilurij.
ORDER XIV. CRUClFERiE. The Cruciferous Trlhc.
frt?.— Sepols 4, ilecidiimis. [ing in die form of a cross.
Car. (_)f 4 rff;ul;ir petals, Oieir claws inserted into the receptacle, and tlieir limbs spread-
Sirt.— 0, 2 of llieiii upon op))o.site sides shorter than the other 4.
Ora.— Composed of two united carpels witli two parietal plaeentce, united by a meinbran-
Fr.—A siliquc or siliele u.sually two-celled. [ous false disscpimeiil,— Ji«ig-»ias two.
S,/,<._Allnchi;d in a single row to each side of the plaeentic;— «/6H?ne« 0.
Embryo, with the two cotyledons variously folded on the radicle.
A very natural order, largor than any of the prccedinpr, of an herbaceous habit, witli
alternate leaves :uid yellow'or while flowers; occasionally a species is found with purple
flowers. Of llie iidn sp.iifs included in this order, only Ui are peculiar to this conthieiii.
The greater pari -.wi- {••uui\ \u the Temperate Zones.
Pmpntks. The Cruciicrx as a class are of much importance to man. They furnish sev-
eral alimenlary articles which are 'very nutrieious, as the turnip, cabbage, cauliflower;
several others are used as amrliments : as mustiird. radish, eoehleana, &c. They all possess
!i peculiar acrid, volatile principle dispersed tlirouph every pan, often aceompanied by an
etlierial oil abounding: in sulphur. They are ahso remarkable for eontaining- more nitrujri'n
than other vegetables, for wiiich reason ammonia is generally evolved in their pulrifaetion.
In medicine they are eminently stimulant and antiscorbutic. None are really poisonous,
although very acrid. The root of Isalis tiiicluria allurds a blue coloring matter.
CRDCIFERJE. 37 CARDAMI^-E.
Conspectus of the Genera.
* Cotyledons accumbent (0=;). Seeds generally oompressed.
f silique terete ; calyx bisaccate, . . Cheimnthtts. 10
«;i:^„«-o- * ' * ■ ,;i;„ „,:,\. 1 one nerved. . . . Arabis. 4
?.nM^?nJ U'^'-T ', i funicu. Slender. Cnrdaviine. 2
*;;i;;^"^'," i ^''^ ^'^^'^*' ^ nerveless ; | f„„ie„i„s dilated, De„taria. 5
' I Sds in tAvo «erie-- ' ^''^l^'^* convex; Ivs. pinnately divided, Nasturtium. H
I'' ' " "' \ valves flat ; leaves toothed and entire, Turrith. S
f valves seiniglob.:stam, toothless: fls. white, Coclilearia. 9
f Septum broad ; j , stamens some of them toothed, Alyssum. 11
( valves flat, { , „ ..11 ( cal. bisaccate, Ltmftrin. 1'2
Siliculose- ^^'^«"^'°°^Wess;|^.^ly^,q^^,^'^,„,„. 3
' ''eotum linear- i cells many-seeded; valves winged on the back. ThinspL 1
\ '' 'I cells one-seeded, Pteris. 14
I Septum transverse: silicle tomeutose. 2-jointed. 2-seeded, C'ahile. 13
" * Cotyledons incumbent (ojj ). Seeds ovate.
<,jjjjgjg . I Silique 4-cornered ; eal)-x closed, ..... Erysimum. 15
'1 SiUoue rouniUsh- 1 '''^'>'^ bisaccate ; stig. 2, seeds sub-3-angled, Hesperis. 20
' ' ( calyx reg^ular, Sysimbnum. 16
|- ( valves flat ; silicle 1-celled, 1-seeded, . Ji:atis. 22
! Septum elliptic ;<,. f caulescent, . . Camdina. 17
Siliculose:^ r=^'*=^ ^'^''""="*«! i ^'emless, aquatic, . Subularia. 19
i Sep. ven,- narrow i^'['^'e'"^?u'«'"-''^cordate, . . 0,p>,;eUa. 18
I sil. ovate or subcor.,[cotyl. sometimes ace.,] Ltpidtum. 21
*** Cotyledons conduplicate (o»). Seeds globose.
''iliauose • J ^'''' '•■'^Jisversely manv-celled; sds. in a single series; Ivs. lyrate, Enphanus. 3.3
'I Silique 2-celled : -j *'^'5->^ spreading, style acute, . . . ^m,ph. 2:3
/* ( calyx closed, style obtuse, . . . Brn).-c//rtto is from S. Europe. Stem a foot high. Flowers purple,
terminal, in simple umbels, and like the rest of tlie genus, remarkable for
having the two outer petals larger than the two inner ones. June, July.
Purple Caiuhj-tvft.
2. I. ama'ra.
Herbaceous ; leaves lanceolate, acute, somewhat toothed ; flotpers corymhed,
becoming racemed ; .?«7/c.'e obcordate, narrowly emarginate. Native of Eng-
land. Stem a foot high. Fowers while. June, July. Bitter Candy-tuft.
3. I. pinna'ta.
Herbaceous, smooth; /rnce^ pinnatifid ; racemes corymhose, but little elon-
gated after flowering. From S. Europe. A foot high. Flowers white. Jxi.
August. fVing-lmVid Candy-tuft.
4. I. saxa'tilis.
Shrubby ; leaves linear, entire; somewhat fleshy, rather acute, smooth or
ciliate ; flowers in corymbs. From S. Europe. Near a foot high. Flowers
wliite. April, June. Rock Candy-tuft.
Twenty-four species of the Iberis have been described, others of which are
equally ornamental with those above mentioned.
CRUCIFERjE, .44 CAMELINA.
Tribe 2, NOTORHIZE.E.
Cotyledons incumbent ( o|| ). Railidc dorsal. Seeds ovate, never margined.
15. ERl'SYMUM.
Silique columnar, 4 cornered 5 stigma capitate; seeds in a
single row ; cotyledons oblong, calyx closed.
Gr. £gv4», to cure ; on account of its salutary effects in medicine.
E. CHEIRANTHOI'DF.S.
Pubescence minute, appressed ; leaves lanceolate, denticulate or entire; sili-
que erect, twice as long as the pedicels ; stioina small. By streams and in
wet grounds. Stem often branched, 1 or '2 feet liigh. Flowers small, yellow.
Siliques an mch in length. July, Aug. Ann.
1 G . S Y S 1' M B R I U M .
Siliques cylindrical ; cotyledons incumbent, sometimes ob-
lique, flat; calyx mostly spreading, equal at the base.
The ancient Greek name of some unknown plant. Stigmas 2, somewhat
distinct or connate.
1. S. OFFICINA'LE. Erysimum. L.
Siliques close pressed to the rachis of the spike. Leaves runcinate. In
cultivated fields, among rubbish, »fcc. Stem 18 inches high, round, branched,
more or less hairy. Leaves lyrate, toothed, the lower segments lanceolate,
and placed at right angles to the petiole or pointing backwards; upper leaves
in 3 narrow segments, placed at right angles. Flowers small, yellow, termi-
nating the spike, which becomes long and environed with the appressed,
sessile pods. June,— Oct. Ann. Medicinal. Hedge Mustard.
2. S. Sophi'a.
Leaves bipinnate; segments oblong-linear, incised ; petals shorter than ca-
lyx ; calijx half as long as pedicel. In sandy fields. Stem 2 feet high. Flow-
ers yellow. April. Ann. Flax-icecd.
3. S. THALIA'NA. Gray. Arabis thaliana. L.
Leaucs hairy, subdentate ; radical ones petiolate, oblong; stein branched,
hairy at the base ; siliques ascending, twice as long as the pedicels ; calyx
much shorter than the pedicels. Rocks and dry hills. Stem G inches high,
erect, with slender branches. Flowers very small. Siliques slender, | incii
in length. April, May. Ann. Mouse-car Wall Cress.
17. CAM EL I'M A.
Silicle obovate, or suhglobose, with vcntricose valves and
many-seeded cells; style filiform; cotyledons incumbent.
A conU-action Cot chajnne-l ilium, dwarf flax. Style rather long. Stamens
not toothed. Seeds oblong, striate, not membrane-winged.
C. SATi'VA.
S«7tc/e obovate, pyriform, margined, tipped with the pointed style; leaves
subentire, lanceolate, sagittate. Grows in fields. Stem straight, erect, Id
CRUCrFERJE.
45 HESPERIS.
inches high, branching. Leaves clasping the stem, with their arrow-shaped
bases, the margin nearly entire, tapering to a point. This plant is cultivated
in Europe for "the seeds, from which an oil is expressed. Flowers yellow.
June. Ann. Madwort. False-jiax.
18. CAPSE'LLA.
Silicle triangular, cuneiform; valves boat-shaped, wingless,
coriaceous; cells small, many-seeded ; cotyledons incumbent.
Name, a diminutive of cajisuh, on account of the little, inversely-heart-
shaped silicles. A genus removed from Thlaspi on account of its incumbent
cotyledons.
C. BURS.\-PASTo'ris. Dc. Thlaspi bursa-pastoris. L.
Plant hairy; silicle triangular, obcordate, wingless; cells many-seeded;
radical leaves pinnatifid. The Shepherd's Purse is found every where in
pastures and by road sides, flowering from INIarch toOct. Stem round, branch-
ing, from a few inches to a foot high. Root leaves rosulate, hairy, more or
le^s pinnatifid and toothed. Stem leaves much smaller, auriculate at base,
sessile. Flowers small, white, in racemes which continue to ascend and put
forth new blossoms until the late frosts of Autumn. Silicles smooth, triangu-
lar, emarginate at the end, and tipped with the style. Ann. Shepherd's Purse.
19. SUBULA'RIA.
Silicle oval; valves turgid ; cells many-seeded; stigma ses-
sile; cotyledons linear, curved.
Named in reference to the linear-subulate leaves. A small aquatic plant.
S. aqua'tica.
The only species. . Grows on the muddy shores of ponds, in Maine. Autt.
Leaves all radical, an inch in length, awl-sliaped. Scape two or three mches
high, racemose, with a few minute, white flowers, on slender pedicels one or
two lines in length. Jiwlwort.
20. HE'SPERIS.
Calyx closed, furrowed at base, shorter than the claws of the
petals; petals bent obliquely, linear or obovate ; silique 4-
sided, 2-edged or subterete ; seeds not margined ; sligm.as
forked, with the apices converging.
Gr. io-TTiQvi, the eyening; the flower is more fragrant towards evening.
1. H. matriona'lis.
Stnn simple, erect ; leaves lanceolate, ovate, denticulate ; petals emarginate,
mucronate; pedicels as long as the calyx. A fine garden perennial, said to be
found native about Lake Huron. Stem 3 or 4 feet high. Flowers purple;
often double and white in /3, hortensis. Roclf-ct.
2. H. apri'ca.
Stem simple, erect, pubescent; leaves oblong, obtuse, entire, ciliate-hispid ;
pedicels as long as calvx. From Siberia. Stem a fpot high. Flowefs pur-
ple. Mav, June. Per. Siberian Rocket.
CRUCIFERJE. 46
21. LEPl'DIUM.
Silicic ovale, emarginate ; valves carinale, dehiscent; cells
1-seeded; cotyledons incumbent or accumbent.
Gr. >.£7rt«, a scale ; the form of the silicles is that of a little scale. Petals
obovate. Sepals ovate. Silicle 2 celled, the partition very narrow, crossing
the greater diameter. Seeds ovate.
1. L. VlRGl'NlCUM.
Leaves linear-lanceolate, incisely serrate, smooth; stamens 2—4, silicle
orbicular, emarginate ; cott/l edmis accnmhent; s/c?)i branched above. In san-
dy fields, flowering from June to Oct. Stem rigid, round, smooth, a foot high.
Flowers and capsules very numerous, in a panicle of racemes. Flower very
small, white, diandrous. Radical leaves pinnatifid, the cauline ones narrow,
with a few long teeth. Silicles ions-shaped, with a notch at tlie end. It has
a pungent taste lilce the garden peppergrass. Ann. JVild Peppergrass.
2. L. SATi'VUM.
Silicles orbicular, winged ; haves variously divided and cut ; branches with-
out spines. A well known, annual, garden salad, flowering in July.
Common Peppergrass or Cress.
22. ISA'TIS.
Silicle elliptical, flat, 1-celled, 1-seeded, with carinate, na-
vicular valves, which are scarcely dehiscent.
Gr. iirci^M, to make equalj; the plant is believed to remove roughness from
the skin. Dissepiment obliterated.
I. tincto'ria.
Silicles cuneate, acuminate at base, somewhat spathulate at the end, very
obtuse, 3 times as long as broad. The Woad is native of England. It is oc-
casionally cultivated for the sake of its leaves, which yield a dye that may
be substituted for Indigo. The plant grows about four feet high, with large
leaves clasping the stem with tiieir broad bases. Flowers yellow, large, in
terminal racemes. May — July. Bien. Woad.
Tribe 3, ORTHOPLOCEvE.
Cotyledons conduplicate, or folded together lengthwise on the radicle (o» ).
Seeds globose, never margined,
2 3. S I N A' P I S .
Calyx spreading; corolla with straight claws; silique sub-
terete; valves nerved ; partition extending beyond the valves
and ensiform; seeds in a single row, subglobose; cotyledons
conduplicate (folded together.)
Name from the Greek, a-ivuTrt, mustard. Flower always yellow.
1. S. NIGRA.
Silique smootii, 4-corncred, appresscd to the rachis of the raceme; upper
leavr.s linear, lanceolate, entire, smooth. In cultivated grounds and waste
places. Stem 3 — IJ feet high, branching, smooth, round, striate. Leaves
variously lobed and tootlied, the upper ones deiiexed and entire. Flowers
CRUCIFERjE.
47 raphanus.
numerous, yellow. Pods very numerous, 2 inches in length. Seeds well known
as a condiment. June, July. Ann. Black Mustard.
2. S. arve'nsis.
Silique smooth, many-angled, torose, about 3 times the length of the slen-
der ancipital style ; 5/c«j and ier/t^es hairy. In N. York, introduced. Lower
leaves large sublyrate-pinnatifid, upper ones oblong-ovate, ail repand toothed.
Silinue smnewhat spreading, 1^ inches long. Seeds large and black. Jn.
—Aug. Ann. Charlock.
3. S. ALBA.
Silique bristly, torose, shorter than the 2-edged beak; leaves pinnatifid, up-
per ones sublyrate, all irregularly dentate ; seeds large, pale yellow. Native
of Europe. The seeds are iiscd for the same purposes as the S. nigra. Both
are much esteemed for various medicinal pui poses. White Mustard.
24. BRA'SSICA.
Silique roundish; st3le small, short, obtuse; seeds in one
row; calyx closed; seeds globose ; cotyledons conduplicate.
From the Celtic hrcsic, a cabbage.
1. B. olera'cia.
Leaves with a glaucous dust, somewhat fleshy, repand or lobed, even in their
youngest state, and quite smooth. The original plant grows native in Eng-
land "on rocky shores and cliffs, with no appearance of a head, forming a sur-
prising contrast with the cultivated varieties. The excellence of the Cabbage
as a pot-herb needs no encomium. Common Cabbage.
2. B. campe'stris.
Leaves fleshy, with glaucous bloom, the lower when young, somewhat his-
ped or ciliate, lyrate dentate, the upper cordate, amplexicaul, acuminate. Root
between fusiform and napiform. Native of Sweden. It is cultivated like
the common turnip, but, after a thorough experiment, is considered by farmers
inferior in value to that root, although it grows to an enormous size. Flow-
ers yellow. June. Bien. Rutabaga.
3. B. RAPA.
Radical leaves lyrate, without a glaucous bloom, rough; caidine leaves cnt;
upper ones entire. Root napiform depressed. Bien. Turnip.
4. B. NAPUS.
Leaves smooth, upper ones cordate-lanceolate, amplexicaul; lower ones
lyrate-toothed. This species is said by Nuttall to grow native on ledges of
rocks in Arkansas. Flowers yellow. May. Bien. Rape.
25. RA'PHANUS.
Calyx closed, setose ; silique torose, terete, not opening
by valves, 1 or 2 celled ; glands between the short stamens
and pistil, and between the long stamens and calyx ; cotyle-
dons conduplicate.
Gr. Qcij quickly, and (^uivu), to appear; on account of the rapidity of its
growth.
CAPPARIDACE^. 48 POLASISIA.
1. R. RAPHANI'STRUM.
Leaves \yvaie; siHque terete, jointed, smooth, 1-celled, becoming at length
2-celled and not jointed. Naturalized in cultivated fields and by road-sides.
Stem glaucous, branching, 1 or 2 feet high. The upper leaves are ovate-ob-
lonir, toothed. Flowers yellow or light blue, blanching as they grow old.
August. Wild Radish.
2. R. SATI^VA.
Leaves \yraXe ; silique round, torose, acuminate, scarcely longer than the
stalk. A well known salad root from China. It is well grown in gardens
with a deep sandy soil. There are many varieties, both with spindle-shaped
and turnip-shaped roots, arranged as the spring, summer, turnip, autumn and
winter radishes. Garden Radish.
2G. CRAMBE.
Silicic with 2 joints, of which the lower is abortive, the
upper globose, 1-seeded.
One of the ancient Greek names of the cabbage.
C. MARI'TIMA.
The Ion (T filaments forked; fnd bhint ; leaves roundish, sinuate, wavy,
toothed, glaucous, and with the stem, quite smooth. Native of England. Cul-
tivated 'for its early shoots, which are used as a substitute for asparagus.
Flowers white. Per. '^'fi" ^'"'e.
ORDER XV. CAPPARlDACEiE. The Caper Tribe.
Coi.— Sepals 4.
(^;o,-._Petals 4, cruciate, unquiculate, liypogj-nous, more or less unequal.
,Srto._6— 12, or some liish multiple of 4, almost perigynous.
To^-.—Sinall. "Itcii (■lllll^al.■ll, hrtiriu};- a single gland.
0^.(l. Ollrii siipiinir. i.t -i iiiiili'il rarpcls. Styles united into one. Stigma di.seoid.
jr,-._F,jth(M- p,ul-sli:iiii-d ;uui dclnsccnt, or fleshy and indehiscent. Placenta; usually two.
6ys.— Many, renitbrm.
A small order of tropical plants. Six genera have been found in N. Aiuerica. Their
properties resemble those of the Crucifira;. One species ol Polamsia, which is the only
northern genus, is used as a vermifuge.
P O L A N I' S I A .
Sepals distinct, spreading; petals 4; stannens 8-^32 ; fila-
ments tiiiform, or dilated at the summit; torus minute; pod
linear.
Annual herbs with a strong odor.
p. GRAVE'OLENS. Raf. Clcoine dodecandra. Mt.
Viscid pubescent; /era-es ternate ; Zcr/^c^s elliptical-oblong; /yiocrs axillary,
solitary; stammsB — 12; siZif/iic^ oblong, attenuate at base. A strong-scented
plant, found on sandy shores. Stem a foot high, branching. Flowers reddish
while, in terminal racemes, with a variable number of stamens. Pods one-
celled, 2-valved, hairy and viscid hJce every other part ot the plant. Jl. Ann.
POLYGALACE^. 49 POLYGAJLA.
ORDER XVI. RESEDACE^. The Mignionette Tribe.
Oii.— Sepals somewhat united at base, unequal, green.
Ci»-.— Petals lacerated, unequal.
Sta.—S — 2(1, inserted on the disk. Torus hypog-j'nous, one sided, glandular.
Oi-a.— Sessile, 3-lobed, 1-celled, many-seeded. Placenta; n, parietal.
Fr. — A capsule, 1-celled, opening between the stigmas before maturity.
A small order inhabiting the countries around the Mediterranean sea, having no veiT-
remarkable properties. Reseda luteola contains a yellow coloring matter, and other spe-
cies ai-e very fragrant. This genus is nearly naturalized in the western part of N. \ .
RESE'DA.
Caljx leaves many, petals of the same number, each bearing
one or more stamens-, torus large, fieshv, bearing the ovary,
with several stamens and styles.
Lat. rescdo, to calm, to appease; in allusion to the supposed efficacy of the
plant in relievinff pain.
1. R. lute'ola.
Leaves lanceolate, entire, with a tooth on each side at base; cabjx 4-clen:.
This useful exotic (nearly naturalized in Western N. Y.), atfords a most use-
ful yellow dye for cotton, wollen, silk and linen. The yellow color of the paint
called Dutch-pink is from this plant. For th«se purposes the entire plant,
when about flowering, is pulled up, and employed both fresh and dried. It is
annual, about 2 feet Fiigh. The fto\Vers are without petals, arranged in a long
spike, which, as Linnreus observes, follows the course of the sun, inclining
cast, south and west by day, and north by night. Dyer's Weed.
2. R. odora'ta.
Leaves entire, 3-lobed ; sepals shorter than petals. A well known and uni-
versal favorite of the garden, native of Egypt. The flowers are higiily fragrant,
and no boquet should be considered'couiplete witliout it. The v&xi€iy Jrates-
cens is by a peculiar training, raised to the height of 2 feet with the form of a
tree. The spcclvs jjlujieuma, native of Palestine, has a caly.x longer than the
petals. Migiiioitetie.
ORDER XVII. POLYGAL.ACE/E. The mk-wort Tribe.
C/il. Sepals .5, very irregular, 3 exterior: '2 interior, lar:j-pr and petiuloid.
Cor. — Petals 3. hypogynous, one larger and anli-ii^.r, keci-slia])(Tl.
S^^.—Hyposfyiiotis- 0— S; filaments cnmhined in a tul)i- whirli is split on the upperside, and
coherent to some extent with the claws of the petals.
Oya.— Superior, compressed, 2-celled, one often abortive. Sty. curved and often cucullate.
Pr. — Loculicidal or indebi^cent. Seeds pendulous.
A small order of shrubby or herbaceous plants, very equally distributed, each division
of the globe having two or" three genera peculiar to it. The properties of the Poiygalacein
have not been well determined. Some of the genera possess a biUer matter and a milky
juice which is emetic, expectorant and diuretic. Polygala is the only Northern genus.
P O L Y' G A L A .
Calj^x 5-leaved, persistent, 2 of the sepals vving-shapefl and
colored; vexillum cylindric; capsule obcordate, 2-celled, 2-
valved.
Gr. TtoXv, much, yaXa. milk. It was said to promote the lacteal secretions
E
POLYGALACEiE.
50 POLTGALA.
of animals. Cal. inferior, 3 outer leaves smaller, ovate ; petals united to the
fil. by their claws. The limb of tlie upper partly divided, liie lower keel-
shaped, generally crowned with a crested appendage. Fil. united at the base,
divided above into 2 sets. Seeds 1 in each cell.
1. P. paucifo'lia.
Stem simple, erect, naked below ; haves ovate, acute, smooth ; terminal
flowers laro-e, crested, radical, apterous. A small handsome plant, with a
few ratlierlarn-e i)uri)le iiowers. Native of woods and swamps. Stem ',i or 4
inches hioh,wTtli its acute leaves mostly near the top, 2 — 4 flowers above them.
Calyx of 5 leaves, the upper one gibbous at base. Corolla mostly purple ;
with a purple crest on its middle lobe. The radical flowers are either close
to the ground, or subterraneous, smaller, greenish, wanting the wings of the
calyx. "May. Per. Fringed Poly gala.
2. P. POLY'GAMA. IVr. P. rubella. Mk.
Stems simple, numerous ; leaves linear, oblong, mucronate, alternate below;
racemes terminal and lateral; flowers sessile, those of the stem winged,
those of the root apterous. A plant of a bitter taste, used in niedicme as a
tonic, found in fields and pastures. Steins crowded, many from the same
root, angular, smooth. Leaves smooth, lower obovate, upper linear-lanceolate,
obtuse, sessile. Flowers crested, purple, smaller than the last. Wings of the
calyx obtuse. Anthers 8, in 2 equal parcels. Bracts small, subulate, cadu-
cous. Terminal racemes with perfect flowers, radical racemes prostrate, or
subterraneous, wincrless and nearly apetaious. Jn., Jl. Per.
Bitter Pohjgala.
3. P. PURPU'rEA. .v. p. sanguinea. Mx.
6Ye7?i branching at the top; leaves linear, alternate ; powers beardless, in
alternate, oblong^spikes; calycine wings obovate. An erect plant C— 12 inch-
es hich, found in meadows and wet grounds, and known at once by its short,
reddish' cylindric spikes of flowers. Stem angular, with fastigiate branches,
each ending in a smaller spike than that of the main stem, but rising above it
in hitrht. Flowers purple, caducous. Jl.— Oct. Ann. Caducous Folijgala.
4. P. se'nega
wards
medicine, saiu lu niivc uccu cmj^.i/jrv-u ^j ^.^ .^^..^ — .. — - —
to the bite of the rattle-snake. The root is woody, branched, contorted, about
half an inch thick, covered with ash colored bark. Stems about a foot high,
with numerous, scattered, subsessile, lanceolate leaves. Flowers while, in a
lontr, filiform spike. Calyx larger than the corolla, 5-leaved, colored. The
roor'has at fiist'a sweetish and nauseous taste, which soon becomes pungent
and hot, producing a peculiar tingling sensation. Jl. Per. Seneca Siialu- Rout.
5. P. verticilla'ta.
Stem branched, erect; leaves linear, verticillate; spikes linear, stalked; floirers
alternate, crested ; calycine wings roundish. Found on dry hills. Stem very
slender, square, G— 8 inches high. Leaves in whorls of 5 or C. Flowers small,
greenish white, in very slender spikes, which are higher upon the branches
than upon the main stem. Jl.— Oct. Ann. Wlwrlcd-leaved Pohjgala.
6. p. crucia'ta.
Stem erect, somewhat fastigiate, winged at the angles ; leaves in 4s, linear-
lanceolate ; hds. of flowers spiked, sessile. Sphagnous swamps and other low
VIOLACE.'E, 51
grounds. Stem about a foot high, with 'I, winged angles and opposite branch-
es. Leaves linear-oblong, obtuse, smooth, with obscure resinous dots. Cal-
ycine wings cordate, acute, purple. Corolla beardless, greenish purple. Jl.
Aug. Ann. Cross-leaved Polygala.
ORDER XVI il. VIOL ACE.E. The vhut Tribe.
Cal— Sepals 5, persistent, slightly united, elongated at base, the two lateral interior.
Cor.— Petals 5, commonly unequal, the inferior usually spurred at base.
Sta.—5. inserted on the hyposry-nous disk. Fil. dilated, prolonsred beyond the anthers.
Ova.— be 3 united carpels, with 3 parietal placentae. Stij. 1, declinate. Stig. cucuUate.
Ft.— A 3-valved capsule. S'Js. many, with a crustaceous testa and distnict chalaza.
A small order of shrubs and herbs, mostly inhabitants of the Northern Temperate Zone.
The roots of almost all the Violaceae possess emetic properties, and some are valiied m
medicine. The Ipecac of the shops is partly the product of certain Brazilian species ot
lonidium. Several species of the violet are cultivated for the beauty of their flowers. Of
die 4 genera found in N. America only 2 are found in the Northern States.
Genera.
Sepals unequal, more or less auricled at base, Viola. 1
Sepals nearly equal, not auricied, Solea. i
1 . V I' O L A .
Sepals 5, unequal, auricular at base; corolla of 5 petals, ir-
regular, the upper one spurred at base; anther connate, the
lobes diverging at base; capsule 1-celled, 3-valved.
The Greek name of this beautiful genus is io», from lai, the name of a cer-
tain cow, which according to a ridiculous iable fed upon the Violet. Cal. of
5 oblong, acute, equal, erect sepals, produced downwards beyond their inser-
tion, 2 of them under the uppermost petal, one under each lateral petal, and
one under the two lower. Cor. irregular, the upper petal broadest, slightly
cleft, eeding at base in a curved spur projecting between the leaves of the
calyx ; tvvolateral petal's opposite, equal, obtuse. Seeds several in each cell,
attached to the valves. Low, herbaceous, perennial plants, with a short sub-
terraneous stem or rhizoina, or caulescent. Peduncles angular, solitary, 1-
flowered, recurved at the summit, so as to bear the flower in a resupinate
position.
* Acaulescent. Flowers blue.
1. V. .SeLKI'RKII. Goldie.
Leaves cordate, crenately serrate, minutely hirsute above, smooth beneath,
the sinus deep and nearly closed ; stigma triangular, margined, distinctly
beaked; spur nearly as long as the lamina, thick, very obtuse. Grows on
woody hills and mountains. A small stemless violet, with small pale blue
flowers conspicuously spurred. The radical heart-shaped leaves are rather
numerous and longer than the peduncles. Tlje lateral petals bearded, and
with the upper one striate with deep blue. Selkirk's Violet.
2. V. cuculla'ta.
Very smooth; leaves cordate, cucullate at base, crenate; stipules linear;
inferior and lateral petals bearded. This is one of the more common kinds of
violet, found in low, grassy g;rounds. Leaves on long petioles heart-shaped,
remarkably rolled at the base into a hooded form. The late leaves are crenate-
yepiforra. Flowers light blue or purple, with scapes somewhat 4-sided, longer
\'10I^ACE.f;. 52 VIOLA.
than the leaves. Petals twisted, veiny, entire, vi'hite at the base, the lateral and
upper ones marked with a few blue sliite, very variable in respect to pube-
scence. May. Per. Huud-Lcavtd Violet.
3. V. palma'ta.
Pubescent; leaves cordate, Inbed in a hastate or palmate manner, the lobes
crenafe and toothed, the middle one much the largest, lateral petals bearded.
In upland pastures; 3 — 6 inches hiirh. Root-stalk scaly. Petioles hairy.
The early leaves are ovate, entire. The later and perfect are pubescent, often
purple beneath, variously lobed and cleft ; the middle lobe always the largest
and longest, with 2 or 3 lateral ones each side. Peduncle sub-4-angled, longer
than tlie leaves. Stipules lanceolate. Petals purple, entire, veiny, white at
the base, upper ones smaller, lateral ones densely bearded, and marked with
blue strics. May. Per. I'almatcd Violet.
4. V. peda'ta. l.
Leaves pedatc, 5 — 9-parted ; .•!Cff7//C7?75 linear-lanceolate, entire, glabrous.
A species very distinct from all others, with large blue flowers, pedate leaves
and a premose root, found in dr}' woods and pastures. Root-stalk fleshy, end-
ing abruptly as if cut or bitten off. Leaves a fine example of the pedate form,
being divided into about 7 obtuse segments. Petioles furnished with long,
ciliate stipules at base. Peduncles sub-4-angled, much longer than the leaves.
Petals pale blue, white at base, all of them beardless and entire. Calyx seg-
ments long, linear, entire. Stigma large, obliquely truncate and perforate at
the apex. May. Per. Pcdale Violet.
5. V. ova'ta. js'-.
Leaves ovate, crenate, pubescent, often cut-toothed at the base ; petiole
margined. Found on dry hills, Apr. — May, with numerous pale purple flow-
ers. The leaves are hairy on both sides, subcordate, upper ones lacerately
toothed at the base, and on shortish petioles. Calyx segments ovate, ciliate,
deeply emarginate behind. Petals entire, veiny, white at base, the lateral ones
bearded. Stigma recurved, beaked. Spur broad, usually lengthened. Per.
Ooate-lcaxcd Violet.
G. V, asarifo'lia. p.
Villose; Icavr.s very large, subovate-reniform, crenate, dentate, decurrent
into the petioles, always entire; peduncle somewhat 4-sided, short, (rarely an
inch and a half;) divisions of the calyx ovate, ciliate, entire or emajginate
behind; -petals all very entire, veiny, white at the base; upper one smooth,
naked; lateral ones densely bearded ; and with the upper one, marked with a
few blue lines. Lc Cjute. Woods, Lebanon, N. 11. May. Per.
Kidnetj-lcuved Violet.
7. V. SAGITTA'TA. ,.
Leaves oblong, sagittate-cnrdate, serrate, gnsh-toothed at the base, mostly
smooth; pedimchs longer tlian leaves. On dry hills, witii dark purple flow-
ers. The plant is generall}' smooth, but varieties are mentioned with downy
leaves. Leaves varj' in form, oval, ovale or lanceolate, serrate or toothed,
acute or not, with large divergent teeth at base. Calyx segments lanceolate,
acute, emarginate behmd. Petals entire, veiny, white at base, lower and lat-
eral ones densely bearded. Flower-stalks obscurely 4-sided. Apr. Jn. Per.
Jlrroic-lcaved Violet.
VIOLACEJB.
53
* * Acaulescent. Flowers white, somewhat regular.
8. V. BLANDA. W.
icfflwes broad-cordate, slightly pubescent above; petiole p\xhescent; flowers
white. Found in meadows. The rhiz.oma .is slender and creeping. Leaves
close to the earth, nearly round, cordale or ovate, and sometimes with a round-
ed sinus, so as to appear renilbrm. PeUoles half-round. Peduncles sub-4-
sided, longer than the leaves. Petals white, greenish at base, upper and lat-
eral ones marked with a few blue lines, generally beardless. Flowers small,
fragrant. May. Per. ^wcct liolet.
9. V. lanceola'ta. l.
Leaves smooth, lanceolate, narrowed at base into the petiole, obtusish, sub-
crenate. Found in wet meadows. Rhizoma creeping. Leaves very narrow,
and, with the stalk, 3-5 inches long. Petioles half-round. Peduncles sub-
4-sided. Petals white, greenish at base, upper and lateral ones marked with
blue lines, generally beardless. Flowers small. May. Per.
' *= ■' Spear leaved Uhite J lolet.
10. V. primul^fo'lta. L. ^- ^'="^^- ^•
Leaves lance-ovate, abruptly decurrent at base ; hrncts knee-linear ; petals
acute, nearly equal, beardless. Found in damp soil, lihizoma creeping.
Leaves sometimes subcordate, rather obtuse, mostly smooth, longer than their
Btalks. Petals obovate, acute, flat, marked with purple lines at base general-
ly beardless, as long as the bracts. Flowers small, white, on sub-4-sided
stalks. May. Per.
* * " Acaulescent. Flowers yellow.
11. V. rotundifo'i.ia.
Leaves orbicular-ovate, cordate, slightly serrate, nearly smooth, with the
sinus closed: petiole pubescent: calyx obtuse. A small yellow violet tound
in woods May. Per. Leaves nearly round, with a deep, narrow sinus at
base, obscurely and remotely serrated. Nerves and petiole pubescent 1 e-
duncles as long as the claws, sub-4-sided, bracted m the middle. Petals yel-
low, marked at base with brown lines. Flowers small.
Round-leaved xellow yioict.
i Caulescent.
12. V. Canade'nsis.
Smooth ; leaves cordate, acuminate, serrate : peduncles shorter than the
leaves; stipules short, entire. A large species, often a foot in height, found
in woods. Stem sub-simple, terete, with lance-ovate, membranaceous stipules.
Leaves alternate, the lower on very long petioles, acute or obtuse. Peduncles
8ub-4-sided, terminal, with minute bracts. Flowers large, nearly regular.
Petals white or light-blue, yellowish at base, the upper ones purple without,
and marked with 1)lue lines. Lateral ones bearded. Flowering all summer.
Pgj. ' Canadian Violet.
13. V. pube'scens. j3.
Villous-pubescent ; stem erect, naked below ; leaveshTosLd cordate, toothed ;
stipules ovate, subdentate. A large yellow violet, found in dry, stony wooas.
Root fibrous. Stem simple, more or less pubescent, somewhat triangular and
fleshy, bearing a few leaves at the top, leafless below. Leaves broad, ovate,
cordate or deltoid, obscurely dentate, obtuse, on short stalks. Stipules large,
E*
VIOLACEiE. 54 VIOLA.
ovate, wavy. Flower-stalks rather shorter than leaves, downy, axillary, soli-
tary, with 2 subulate bracts. Petals yellow, lateral ones bearded, and with
the upper one marked with a fL^w brown lines. The plant varies in pubes-
cence, sometimes even glabrous. Height very variable, from 5 to 20 inches.
May, Jn. Per. Common Yelluw Violet.
14. V. Muhi.enbe'rghti. Tor. V. debilis. M.
Siem weak, assurgent; 7ea?ies reniforrn-cordate, upper ones crenate, rather
acuminate; ai//)«/es lanceolate, serrate-ciliate. A spreading, slender species,
in swamps, &c. Stems branched below, C — 8 inches long, v.-ith large stipules
cut into fringe-like serratures. Younger leaves invohite at base. Petioles
longer than tlie leaves, and shorter than the axillary peduncles. Bracts linear,
alternate, on tlie upper part of the stalk. Petals entire, pale purple, the late-
ral ones bearded. Spur porrected, very obtuse. Stigma rostrate. May.
Pel. MuhlmLergli's VioUt.
15. V. ROSTR.'i'TA,
Smooth; stf.m terete, diffuse, erect ; Z^rtrcs cordate, roundish, serrate, upper
ones acute; .s/z/juZes lanceolate, deeply fringed; pc^a/s beardless ; .9;;Mr longer
tlian the corolla. A common violet in moist woods, well characterized by its
long, straight, linear, obtuse nectary, which renders the large flowers similar
to those of the Larkspur. Stem 6 — 8 inches high, branching below. Petioles
much longer than the leaves. Stipules almost pinnatifid. Peduncles slender,
very long, axillary. Flowers pale blue. May. Per. Beaked Violet.
16. V. stria'ta.
Smooth; stem branching, nearly erect; leaves roundish, ovate, crenate-
dentate; .tii^j»/f5 large, ciliate-toothed ; s/rur sub-porrected. In rocky woods.
Stem 6 — 12 inches high; half-round. Leaves often sub-pube.scent. Stipuk-s
lance-linear, large. Petioles long. Peduncles longer than the leaves. Petals
white, streaked with blue, lateral ones bearded. Resembles V. Canadensis,,
but sufficiently distinct in the form of the leaves and the nectary. Jn. Per.
Striped Violet.
17. V. trico'lor.
6Vc7«. angular, difl'use; Icnrcs oblong, deeply crenate ; sfijmles Ivrate, pin-
natifid. This pretty flower is found in all cultivated grounds, and especially
in the garden. Its flowers are among the earliest of spring, and continue to
expand through the summer and autumn. Stems more or less branched, very
variable in luxuriance. Stipules deeply jjinnatiiid. the terminal segment
largest, ovate, crenate. Flowers variable in size. The 2 upper petals purple,
the lateral ones whitish, veined with purple, and the lower one yellow, obcoi-
date, with purple veins, ending behind in a short spur.
Garden Violet. Pdnsy. Hearts-ease
18. V. odora'ta.
Stemless; scions creeping; leaves cordate, crenate, nearly- smooth ; cahjx
obtuse ; lateral petals with a hairy line. This species is cultivated and exotic.
It is well characterized by its long, trailing, leafy runners. The leaves are
truly heart-shaped. Stipules lanceolate, toothed. Flower-sfalks longer than
the leaves, bracted. Flowers large, of the true v/olet color, fragrant." There
are several varieties, dislinii'uislied by the for;n and color of the flowers: via.
the purple, trhitc and bluc-jhucnrcd, the donhlc-purple, doublc-trhUe and dvuhlc-
hlue-Roweiud, and ihc. ^'cupolitan, with pale-blue flowers. Apr., May. Per.
Sweet Viukt.
droserace.t:. 55 parnassia.
2. SO'LEA.
Sepals nearly equal, not auriculate; petals unequal, the
lowest 2-lobed and gibbous at base ; the rest emarginate. Sta-
mens cohering, the lowest 2 bearing a gland above the middle
capsule, surrounded at base by the concave torus; seeds
6 — 8, very large.
S. CO'NCOLOR. Gingins. Viola concolor. Forst.
Straitrht, erect; leaves hroad lanceolate, subentire; stipules subulate; pe-
duncles short. In woods, N. Y. Stem 1 or 2 feet bigh, and with the leaves
somewhat hairv. Flowers greenish white, spur none. Capsule near an inch
lono-. Apr. May. Per. Green Violet.
ORDER XIX. DROSERACE.E. The San-dew Tribe.
Ca!. — Sepals .'), persistent, equal, with an imbricate tcstivation.
Cor. — Petals 5, hypogynous, marescent.
Sta. — Distinct, niarescent, usually equal in number to the petals.
(}„a. — Single. Styles 3 — 5, either wholly distinct or slightly united, bifid or branched,
Pr. — A capsule, 1— 3-celled, usually many-seeded. Sds. sometimes arilled,
A very small order of delicate herbaceous plants, scattered over the whole globe, where-
ever marshes are found. Their leaves are usually furnished with glandular hairs, and are
entire, alternate or crowded. Attached to this order is the Genus Parnassia, regarded by
some as fonning a separate order. It is variously located by different botanists. We foUo'W
Torrey and Gray.after DeCandolle,in placing it here. Some peculiarity exists ia the arrange-
mi'nt and struct are of the stainens in this genus, which will be mentioned further on.
No remarkable properties have been discovered belonging to plants of this o^'des,
Genera.
( .5 in number, stylos .3 — 5 . . Dtoaera. 2
( hypogynous, all perfect and \ 10 — 1.5 in number, style 1, . . iJiunfua. 3
Stamens ( perigy. inner row 5 perf ones, outer row 5 groups of imperf ones, Parnassia, I
1 . P All N A' S S I A .
Calyx of 5 persistent sepals, united at base; corolla of 5
persistent, nearly perigynous petals; stamens perigynous in
2 series, the outer indefinite in number, united in 5 groups,
sterile, the inner of 5 futile stamens; capsule ] -celled, 4-
valved ; seeds very numerous with a winged testa.
Named from Mt. Parnassus, the abode of grace and beauty, where this plant,
•on account of its singular elegance, is feigned to have first sprung up. Hand-
soine perennial herbs, with radical leaves and 1-flowered scapes.
P. Cauolixia'na.
Slerile fiJaments in 5 clusters, 3 in each, distinct to near the base, surmount-
ed with little spherical heads; petals much exceeding the calyx, marked with
green veins; leaves radical, or sessile on the scape, broad-oval, witli no sinus
at base. An exceedingly elegant and interesting plant, growing in wet mead-
ows, borders of streams, fyc. Root fibrous. Leaves al)out 7-nerved, broad-
oval or ovate, smooth, leathery, radical ones long-stalked, cauline ones sessile,
clasping, a few inches above the root. Scapes about a foot high, with a hand-
some regular flower about an inch in diameter. Jl, Aug.
Grass of Parnassus.
OROSERACF.iG. 56 DIONiEA.
2. DRO'SERA.
Caljx of 5 sepals united at base, persistent; petals 5 ; an-
thers adnate ; st} les 6, capsules superior, 1-celled, 3 — 5-valved,
manj-seeded.
Gr. dQoa-oi, dew ; on acco-unt of the dew-like drops of viscous matter on
the glandular hairs of the leaves. Hence also its English name. Small aquat-
ic herbs.
1. D. rotundifo'lia.
Zicaz)e5 radical, nearly round, depressed; petioles hairy; scape erect, bearing
a simple raceme. This little curious plant is not uncommon in bogs and mud-
dy shores of ponds and rivers. It is at once distinguished by the reddish,
glandular hairs with which the leaves are beset, and which are usually tipped
with a small drop of a clammy fluid, appearing like dew glistening in the sun.
Leaves small, lying flat on the ground, narrowed into the elongated petiole.
Scape about 5 inches high, at first coiled inward. Flowers arranged on one
side, very small, white. Aug. Per. Sun-dew.
2. D. longifo'lia.
Leaves radical, spathulate and obovate, tapering at base into a long, smooth
petiole; scape bearing a simple raceme. A more slenderand delicate species,
in similar situations with the last. Leaves slender, ascending, cuneiate-oblong,
crenate, numerous, beset with dewy hairs. Scape ascending at base, bearing
a cluster of small, yellowish white flowers, and arising from 3 — 8 inches. Jn.
— Aug. Per. Long-lcared Sun-deic.
3. D. filifo'rmis.
Leaves filiform, berry long; scape neajly simple, longer than the leaves,
many-flowered ; petals obovate, erosely denticulate, longer than the glandular
calyx ; stTjlcs 2-parted to the base. Grows in wet, sandy places. Much larger
than the preceding species. The leaves seem destitute of a lamina, are sub-
erect, nearly as long as the scape, beset with glandular hairs, except near the
base. Scape about a foot high, with largish purple flowers. Aug. Sept.
Per. Linear Sun-dew,
3. DION^'A.
Stamens 10 — 15; style 1; stigmas 5; connivent, many-
cleft; capsules indehiscent, opening irregularly, 1-celled;
seeds numerous.
Dioncea is one of the names of Venus. Sep. ovate, oblong, sproadino-. Pet.
obovate, with pellucid ribs in their lower part.
D. MUSCI'PULA.
The leaves of this plant chiefly distinguish it, and are of a very singular
structure; the petiole is winged; the proper leaf is 2-lobed. A gla'nd within
the lobes secretes a sweet li(juor, which is attractive to flies. The edges of
the leaf are furnished with long spines, and there are three others within the
cavity, upon each lobe, and such is the remarkable irritability of the plant,
that if a (!y or othe*r insect aligiits upon the leaves, or if they be touched with
a pin, they instantly close and retain the irritating object. Hence the specific
name, musripula, a fly-trap. Native of wet grounds in the Southern States.
Cultivated in a pot of bog earth, placed in a pan of water. Venus' Fly-lrap.
CISTACEiE. 57 HELIANTHEMUM.
ORDER XX. CISTACEtE.
Cal. — Sepals 5, unequal, the 3 inner with a twisted aestivation.
Cor. — Petals 5, hypogynous, very fugitive, crumpled in scstivation.
Ifta. — Indefinite, hypogynous, distinct. Anthers innate.
Ova. — Distinct, or many-celled. Style single. Stigma simple.
Fr. — Capsular, either ] -celled with parietal placentre, or imperfectly 3 — 5-celled, with dis-
sepiments proceeding from the middle of tlie valves.
A small order of herbs or low shrubs, found most abundantly in the North of Africa or
South of Europe. They possess no interest on account of their properties.
Petals 3, lanceolate, » Lechea. 1
p 1 . <;. I Calyx. 3 equal sepals, or 5 in two rows, 2 outer smaller, Hdianthemum- 2
i. etals o; J Cj^ij,^ 5 parted, segments unequal, the 2 outer minute. Hudsonia. 3
1. LE'CHEA.
Calyx three sepaled, inferior; corolla three petaled, petals
linear; capsule 3 celled, 3-valved, with 3 smaller valves with-
in ; sti^jmas 3, plunnose ; seed one.
Name In memory of C Lecheo, a Swede, professor of natural history at
Abo, and a botanic author.
1. L. MAJOR.
Erect, hairy ; haves oblong-lanceolate ; foicers in fascicled racemes, one
sided on short pedicels; stem from one to two feet high, rigid, brittle, hairy,
purple; leaves downy, whitisli underneath ; flmvcrs small, obscure, in dense,
terminal and lateral bunches; cupsides roundish, of the size of a large pin's
bead. Dry woods. Jl. Aug. Per. Large Pin-weed.
2. L. MINOR.
Smoothish ; leaves linear-lanceolate, acute; panicle leafy, its branches elon-
gated, flowering on all its parts. Stems about 8 inches high, slender, with
numerous, simple, expanding branches and narrow leaves ; flowers minute ;
capsule not longer than a pin's head, round. Grows in dry sandy grounds.
Jl. Auo-. Per. Small Pin-weed.
3. L. thymifo'lia. p.
Frutescent ; stems decumbent at base, densely branched, hoary with appies-
sed hairs, and very leafy ; root leaves on tlie short radical branches, imbricated,
elliptical, very smill ; cauline leaves linear or oblanceolate, often whorled.
Flowers in terminal and axillary racemes, on very short pedicels. Stem
about a foot high, rigid and very bush}'. Sea coast. Jl. — Sept. Per.
Tkyme-leuvcd Pin-weed.
2. PI E L I A' N T H E M U M .
Calyx 5-leavcd; exterior leaflets smaller; petals 5 ; capsule
superior, 1-celled, 3-valvcd, opening at top; seeds angular.
Gr. ^Xioi, the sun, and a-v9oi. a flower; in allusion to the bright golden
radiance of the blossoms. Cal. of 5 roundisli, concave leaves. Pet. roundish,
flat, spreading. Slam, numerous, shorter than cor. Style long as stamens.
A genus separated from Cistus.
H. CaNADE'NSE. M. Cistus Canadensis. L.
Without stipules, erect, hairy ; leaves linear-lanceolate, erect, flat, paler
beneath; raceme terminal, few-flowered; capsule shorter than the calyx.
HTPERlCACEa;. 58
Plant about a foot h\gh, found in dry fields and woods. It has small and near-
ly sessile leaves, with solitary, lateral, yellow flowers near the top, which are
very deciduous. This plant, accordinir to Eaton, is remaikable for the thin,
fibrous, curved ice-crystals which it shoots out near the roots, in the late au-
tumn months. Frost plant. Rock Rose.
3 . H U D S O' N I A .
Calyx 3-parted tubular; petals 5; capsule 1-celled, three-
valved, three-seeded.
In honor of Wm. Hudson, a correspondent of Linnreus, and author of Flora
Anglica. Cal. inferior, of one leaf, unequally 5-parted, 2 of the divisions ob-
solete, colored. Stam. 15 to 30. Caps. 1 to 3 seeded.
1. H. TOMENTO'SA. j\'.
Hoary-tomentose ; leaves ovate, imbricate, shorter than the intervals of the
stem ; flowers subsessile ; calyx obtuse. Grows upon the sea-shore. The whole
plant covered with a whitish down. Stem and branches with numerous, mi-
nute leaves. Flowers lateral, small, yellow. Jl. Doicny Hudsonia.
2. H. ericoi'des.
Leaves acerose-subulate ; peduncles filiform, hairy. A very delicate shrub,
found in pine barrens. Stem half a foot high, procumbent, round, with many
short, compound branches. Leaves needle-like, scattered, oppressed to the
stem, minute. Flowers lateral, yellow, the stalks longer than the leaves.
Jn. False Heath.
ORDER XXI. HYPERlCACEiE.
Cal. — Sepals 4 — 5, distinct or cohering-, persistent, unequal, dotted.
Cor. — Petals 4 — 5, hypogynous, festivation twisted, veins oblique, dotted.
jSta. — Hypogynous, indefinite, in 8 or more parcels. Anihers versatile.
Ova. — Single, superior. Styles slender. Stig^na simple.
Fr. — A capsule or berry, many-celled. Steda indefinite, minute.
A small order very generally distributed, presenting a very great variety in habit, and
flourishing in all kinds of localities. Tlie juice of many species is considered purgative
and febrifugal.
Genera.
Triadelphous : the parcels alternating with 3 hypo^'nous glands, . . Elodea. 1
Triadelphous or polyadelphous ; without any glands, .... Hypericum. 2
1 . E L O' D E A .
Sepals 5, equal, somewhat united at the base; petals five,
deciduous, equilateral; stamens 9, triadelplious, the parcels
alternating with 3 hopogynous glands ; styles three, distinct ;
capsule 3-c(;lled.
Perennial herbs, with pellucid-punctate leaves, the axils leafless.
E. Virgi'NICUM. A'. Hypericum Virginicum. L.
Flmccrs with 9 stamens, in 3 distinct sets, with nectariferous glands between
each set; styles 'i; /cv/i'fs elliptical, obtuse, subcordate, clasping; sic7?t herba-
ceous, compressed. The leaves of this species are much larger than any of
the foregoing, except the first. Stem and leaves reddish, about a foot high.
HYPERICACEJE. 59 HYPERICDM^
Grows in swamps. Leaves opposite, oblong-ovat.e, very obtuse, the upper
ones elliptical, all paler beneath. Flowers middle size, reddish yellow, on
axillary and terminal peduncles. The whole plant often presents a reddish
hue. Jl.— Sept. ^^- Johns-wort.
2. HYPE'RICUM.
Sepals 5, connected at base, sub-equal, leaf-like; petals 5
oblique; stamens very nuoierous (sonnetimes few,) united at
base into 3 — 5 parcels, with no glands between them; styles
3 — 5, distinct or united at base, persistent.
Herbaceous and shrubby plants, with yellow flowers in cymose panicles or
solitary. Leaves punctate with pellucid dots, opposite, entire and without
stipules.
1. H. PYRAMIDA'tUM. Ait. H. ascyroides. W.
Floiocrs penlagynous, terminal ; stem branching, somewhat 4-sided ; leaves
sessile, oblong, acute, smooth ; styles as long as the stamens. A tall species,
with large flowers, found on dry hills at Royallon and Burlington, Vt.jJ'ots-
dam, N. Y., &c, Stem scarcely 4-sided, smooth, rigid, branching, 3—5 feet
high. It is occasionally simple. Leaves opposite, those of the branches small-
er^all smooth, sessile or somewhat clasping, acute but not pointed, oblong-
ovate. Flowers yellow, as well as those of all the other species. Petals broad-
ovate, near an inch in length. Stamens very numerous, hair-like. Capsules
very large, ovate, pointed, tipped with the 3 styles. Seeds in 5 cells, very
numerous. Jl. Aug. Per. Giant Hypericum.
2. H. perfora'tum.
Flowers with 3 styles; stem 2-eAgeA ; Zcapes elliptical, with pellucid dots;
segments of the calyx lanceolate. A hardy weed prevailing in pastures and
dry soil, much to the annoyance of farmers. Stem from 1 to 2 feet high, brachi-
ate, erect, round, with 2 elevated lines, opposite, extending from the insertion
of the branches. Leaves opposite, entire, oblong, obtusish, covered over with
dots, which may best be seen by transmitted light. Flowers numerous, bright
yellow, with purple lines, in terminal panicles. Petals and calyx bordered
with fine dark-colored glands. Jn. Jl. Per. Common St. Johns icort.
3. H. CORYMBO'SUM.
Flowers with three styles, dotted; stem erect, round, smooth, branching;
haves clasping, oblong-oval, obtuse, with black dots; coryumbs terminal,
brachiate, dense-flowered ; calyx segments lanceolate. Found in wet meadows
and damp woods. Stem 2 feet high, with larger leaves than the common St.
John's wort. Flowers small, numerous, pale yellow. The sessile leaves, as
well as every other part of the plant, are thickly covered with black dots. Jn.
jj Ppj.. Spotted St. Johns wort.
4. II. Canade'nse.
Stem, erect and straight, 4- winged ; leaves linear; alternate at the base, rath-
er obtuse ; panicle dichotomous ; calyx segments lanceolate ; styles 3, very
short; capsule conical. Sandy soils, about a foot high. Stem roundish, with
4 prominent lines. Lower branches opposite, the upper pair forked. Flow-
ers minute, yellow, axillary and terminal. Capsules red, the narrow leaves
of this species are also punctate and naked, marked with black dots beneath.
11 Au(T Canadian St. Johns wort.
ULLECEBRACE.!;. 60
5. H. MU'tiLUM. L. H. parviflorum. ML
Stem erect, dichotomous-ramose, somewhat 4-winged ; leaves obtuse, ovate-
oblong, subcordate, sessile, nerved; flowers in leafy cymes; pcta's shorter
than calyx ; styles 3. Damp, sandy soils. Stem a i'ew inches hioh, with mi-
nute, yellow flowers. Jl. Aug. Ann. Small- flowered St. Julin's wort.
6. H. Kalmia'num.
Sfnn corymbosely branched ; branches somewhat 4sided, two of the ano-les
slightly winged; leaves linear-lanceolate, very numerous, obtuse, alternate at
base; aimcs 'S — 7-flowered, fastigiate ; sepals half as long as petals. Rocks
below Niagara Falls, Slc. A shrubby species a foot or more in heiirht. I^eaves
an inch in length, slightly revolute on the margin, 1-ncrved, minutely and
thickly punctate, sessile. Branches slender and delicate. Flowers yellow.
Stamens very numerous. Aug. Kahn's St. John's loort.
7. H. SaRo'tIIRA. Mx. Sarothra gentianoides. L.
Stem and branches filiform, quadrangular; leaves very minute, subulate;
flowers sessile. Dry fields and road sides. Stem 4 — 8 inches high, branched
above into numerous very slender, upright, parallel branches, apparently leaf-
less from the minuteness of the leaves. Flowers very small, yellow, succeed-
ed by a conical brown capsule, which is twice the length of the sepals. Jl.
Aug. Pine weed.
ORDER XXIIf. ILLECEBRACE.E.
Cat. — Sepals 5, distinct or coherent at base, persistent.
Cot. — Petals iriinule, inserted between the segments of the calyx, often wanting.
Sta. — Equal in number to sepals, sometimes less or more, inserted' into the pcrigynous disk.
Oua.— Superior, 1-eelled. Styles •2—5, either partially distinct or wholly combined.
^r. — A utricle. Sic/s solitary, attached to base of cell, or a many-seeded capsule.
A middling sized order of herbaceous or half-shrubby plants, found mostly around the
Mediterranean. Seven genera have been found in North America. A slight astrin"ency
is the only property possessed by them. '^
Genera.
Petals none. Stamens inserted on the base of the sepals. Fruit an utricle, Anijchia. 1
Petals 5. Stamens inverted, with petals between the sepals. Fruit capsular. Spognki. 2
1. ANY'CHIA.
Calyx of 5 ovate-oblon^f, connivent sepals, callous, subsac-
catc at the apex; corolla 0; filaments 2 — 5, distinct; sti^-ma
subcapitate; utricle enclosed by the sepals of the calyx.
Gr. owl, the nail; because supposed to cure the maladies of the fino-cr
nail. Small annual herbs, with dichotomous branches.
A. dicho'toma.
Stem dichotomous; leaves lanceolate; those of the stem opposite, of the
branches alternate ; flowers about as long as the stipules. A very slender
plant, half a foot iiigh, much branched. Ateach foik are two opposite, smooth,
acute leaves, and several minute, pointed stipules. Flowers a.xillary, solita-
ry, very small, while. Jn.— Aug. Fork Chlck-wctd.
CARTOPHYLLACE.E. 61 STELLARIA.
2. SPE'RGULA.
Sepals 5, nearly distinct ; petals 5, entire ; stamens 5 — 10;
styles 3—5, capsule superior, ovate, 1-celled, 5-valved.
Lat. spergo, to scatter ; from the dispersion of its seeds. Annual herbs, with
flowers in ioose cymes.
1. S. arve'nsis.
Leaves whorled ; stalks of the fruit reflexed ; seeds reniform, angular, rougli.
A common weed, growing- in cultivated grounds, and flowering from June to
Sept. Root small. Stem round, branched, with swelling joints, beset with
copious, linear, whorled leaves, somewhat downy and viscid. Two stipules
under cacli whorl. Cyme forked, the terminal (central) peduncles bending
down as the fruit ripens. Petals white, longer than the calyx, capsule twice
as long. Seeds many, with a membranous margin. Corn Spvrry. Tares.
2. S. RUBRA. T. <^. G. Arenaria rubra. L.
Stems decumbent, much branched; leaves linear, slightly mucronate ; stip-
7z?cs ovate, membranous, cleft ; se/;a/s lanceolate, with scarious margins ; petals
red or rose-color; seeds compressed, angular, roughish. A common and va-
riable species. Found in sandy fields, iScc. Steins a few inches in length,
slender, smooth, spreading on the ground, with small narrow leaves, and dry
sheathing stipules. Flowers small, on hairy stalks. May — Oct.
Common Sand-icort.
ORDER XXIV. CARYOPHYLLACE^. The Pink Tribe.
Cfd. — 8<'p;ils 4 — 5, disliiiol. or cnhering: in a tube, persisieiit.
Car. — Petals- 4 — 5 (sDMH-tiriics ijimc), enlier uufruicuUUr. an.l iiisnlrd upon tho pedicel of tlie
ovary, or witliMul claws, and inserted on the (uil-nl.- .ii a lli'shy disk.
Sta. — Twice as many as the petals, rarely equal or Irwi i ; aiiiiin-.s imrorse.
Oca. — Ol'ten slipitate. Styles slifjmatose the whole leiiglh nl' tlieir iinier surlarc.
Fr. — A 1-eellcd capsule or inipert'oetly i — 5-erlle(l, opeuing at the apex by twice as many
teeth as there are stigmas. Seeds nuuierous.
An order of herbs with opposite, entire leaves, no stipules, and stems swelling at the
.joints. They are noticeable chiefly for the beauty of a lew ol' the cullivatcd species. It
includes eleven North American peiiera. The remainder of the order is found in the tem-
perate and frigid climates of the Eastern Continent. Their properties are uuimporlant.
Conspectus of the genera.
{ Sepals partly united. Honrhenya. ^
( entire. ( Sepals entirely distinct. Arrnaria. 2
( Petals .5, \ biaa SteUaria. 1
(StylesD. I Petals 0. , " ■•
fnot < Sivles4. Petals 4 — 5 or 0, entire. ....
tubular. ( Styles 5. Petals 5. bifid. ' . . •.
J ) Calyx calyculate with 2 — 4 scales at base,
i ( Sivles 'i. I Calyx without scjiles at the base.
I Styles:^
Calyx ( tubular. ( Styles 5
Tribe ], ALSINE^..
Sepals distinct or nearly so. Petals without claws inserted on the outside of
the disk. Staincns inserted on the margin of the disk.
1. STELLA'RIA.
Sepals 5, connected at base; petals 5, 2-parted ; stamens
10, rarely fewer; styles 3, sometimes 4; capsule superior,
] -celled, o-valved, many-seeded.
F
Motliigo.
Siiifina.
Cerastium.
IJinntlnis.
.5
4
0
10
Saponaria.
Sileiie.
Lycliitis.
!)
7
8
CAKYOPHYLLACF.jE. 63 arenaria.
Lat. Stella, a. slvLT ; the flowers are stellate or star-like. Small, grass-like
Jjcrbs, in moist or shady places. Flowers in forked cymes.
1. S. me'dia.
Leaves ova.ie ; stems procumbent, with an alternate, lateral, hairy line ; sta-
mens 3, 5 or 10. A common weed in almost every situation, flovverinor
from the beo-inning of spring to the end of autiunn. Stems prostrate, branched,
brittle, round, jointed, leaiy, and remrArk;cs sub-acute, linear-lanceolate, ciliate at base; petals twice as long as
the caly.x ; capsule scarcely exceeding the calyx. Stems numerous, about a
foot high, covered with fine, deflected hairs. Leaves hairy. Flowers few,
large, white, appearing all summer. Grows in dry fields. Per.
4. C. OBLONGIFO'HU.-W. Torr. C. villosum. ML
Siems villous, erector declined; leaves mos,i\y obtuse, oblonsr-lanceolate ;
jloiccrs numerous, with viscid peduncles; petals twice as long as the sepals;
ciip.iulc as long as the petals. Flowers in forked cymes, rather large, white.
Grows in rocky places. Stem 6-^10 inches high, thick. Apr. — Jn. Per.
HAtry Chkkweed,
CARyOPHYLLACEjE. 65 SILENE.
Tribe 2, SILENE7E.
Sepals united into a. cylindrical tube. Petals clawed, inserted icilh the stamens
upon the stipe of the ovary.
7 . S I L E' N E .
Caljx tubular, swelHri^^j, williout scales at the base, 5-tootl)-
ed ; petals 5, ungiiiculate, often crowned with scales at the
month, 2-cleft; stamens 10; stylesS; capsule 3-celled, many-
seeded.
Named after the god Silenus of the Latins, whom their poets represent as
always drunk, and covered with slaver, as the species of this genus usually
are with a viscid secretion. Five alternate stamens are attached to the petals,
and later than the rest.
1. S. Pennsylva'nica.
Viscid-pubescent; stems numerous; leaves from the root spathulate or cu-
■neate,of the stem lanceolate: ciimc few-flowered; j^etv/s slightly emarginate,
suh-crenate. Grows in dry, sandy soils. Stem decumbent at base, nearly a
foot high, witli long, lanceolate leaves, and terminal, upriuht bunches of flow-
ers. Caly.x long, lubular, very glutinous and hairy. Petals wedge-shaped,
red or purplish. Jn. Fur. Cu'c'i-Jhj. li'iidFin/c.
2. S. Antirrhi'na.
Nearly smooth ; stem, erect ; leaves lanceolate, acute, aub-ciliate ; peduvcJes
trifid, 3-flowered ; pe?a/s emarginate ; calijx o\&\.e. Stem sleijder, branching,
with opposite leaves and about a foot in height. Leaves ai)Out 2 inches long,
the upper ones very narrow, all sessile, and scabrous on the margin. A few
•of the upper internodes are vtsf'idly pubescent above their middle. Flowers
small, red, in loose, erect cymes. Road sides and dry soils. Jl. Per.
Snap-drugon Caich-Jli/.
3. S. Virgi'nica.
Viscid-pubescent; slcin procumbent or erect, branching; fmcers large,
cymose ; calyx large, clavate; petals bifid, broad, crowned. From 12 to 18
inches high. Leaves oblong, a little rougli at the margin. Cymes dichoto-
mous. Stamens and pistils exsert. Petals red, large. Jn. Per.
Virginian Catch-ftj.
4. S. NOCTIFLO'UA.
Viscid-pubescent; stem erect, branching; low-er leaves s]iathulate, upper
leaves linear ; cali/x C3'lindrical, ventricose, the alternate stria; vined; tcetk
subulate, very long; petals 2-parled. From Europe, introduced into our cul-
tivated erouuds. Flowers rather large, white, e.xpanding only in the evening
and in cloudy weather. jXighi-Jlowcring Cuich-jiij.
5. S. STELLA'TA. ^it. Cucubalus stcllatus. L.
Erect, pubescent ; leaves in whorls of 4s, oval-lanceolate, acuminate. Stem
2 — 3 feet high, with paniculate cymes of white flowers. At each of the dis-
tant, tumid nodes, is a whorl of sessile, spreading, long-pointed leaves. Petals
wanting the crown of scales. Calyx not reticulated, the segments tapering
loamucronate point. Woods, JL Per. ' Star-like Cainpion.
F*
CARYOPHYLLACEjE. 66
6. S. INFLA'tA. .Sm. Cucubalus Bchen. L.
Calyx nearly globular, smooth, reticulated with veins; leaves ovate-lance-
olate, glaucous, smooth ; foiorrs in c3'niose panicles, drooping. Stem erect,
about 2 feet high. Petals white, cleft half way down. The calyx remarkably
inflated, and finely reticulated with pale purple veins. In pastures, about
fences, &c. The young slioots and leaves wlien boiled, may be used as a
substitute for asparagus or peas, which they resemble in taste. Jl. Per.
Bladder Campion.
7. S. Arme'ria.
Very smooth, glaucous, viscid ; leaves ovate-lanceolate ; floicers in panicu-
late cymes ; petals obcordate, crowned. Native of Europe. Introduced. A
popular garden flower. Stem a foot and a half high, with numerous pink-
colored flowers. Jl. — Sept. Ann. Garden Caich-ft/.
8. S. VISCO'SA.
Pubescent, very viscid ; stem simple, thick, leafy ; leaves large, linear-lan-
ceolate, wav}' ; floicfrr large, nodding; pet/ds red. Native of Levant. Culti-
vated in gardens. About 2 feet high. Bien. Clammy Catch-jUj.
8 . LYCHNIS.
Calyx tubular, 5-tooth, oblong; petals 5, clawed; limb
slightly cleft ; stamens 10; pistils 5; capsule 1 — 5-cleft, with
a 5-toothed opening.
Gr. "Kvyj/oi, a lamp; because the cottony leaves of some species have been
used as wicks to lamps. Cal. inferior, membranous. Pet. claws length of
cal., sometimes crowned. Fil. longer than cal., fixed to the claws.
1. L. Gl THAGQ. Lavi. Agrostemma Githago. i.
Hairy ; stetn dichotomous ; floicers on long stalks ; leavesVinevir ; calyx much
longer than the corolla; 'petals eniue, without n crown. A well known, hand-
some weed, growing in corn-fields, or wheat-fields, of a pale green color, with
large, pink-like and very ornamental flowers. Corolla of a dull puri^le. In-
troduced from Europe. JL Corn Cockle.
2. L. Chalcedo'nica.
Smoothish; floicers fascicled; calyx cylindric, clavate. ribbed; petals two-
lobed. A fine garden flower, native of Europe. Stem 2 feet high, with point-
ed, opposite, dark green leaves, and a large, terminal, convex, dense fascicle
of flowers, remarkable for their deep scarlet hue Jn. Jl. Scarlet Lychnis.
/3. Flowers white.
y. Flowers double. This is chiefly valued in cultivation.
3. L. Floscu'culi.
Smoothish; stnns asccndintr ; _^*7?rcr5 dichotomous, fascicled; calyx ram-
panulate, ID-ribbed. Petals in 4 deep, linear segments. Leaves lanceolate,
smooth. Fruit roundish, 1-celled. Stem 1 — 2 feet high, with rough ani/les,
viscid above. Flowers pink, very delicate, with a brown, antrubir, smooth
calyx. Native in Britain. Jl. — Sept. Ragged Robin.
4. L. corona'ria.
Smooth ; flowers terminal and axillary, 1 — 3 ; calyx rounded, clavate, ribbed :
petals torn. Native of Cliina. Remarkable for the large size of the flower.---.
Stem 1 — 2 feet high. Petals of a lively red. Citinese Lyclmis.
caryophvllace^. 67 dianthus.
9. SAPONA'RIA.
Calyx tubular, naked ; petals 5, clawed ; stamens 10 ; styles
2; capsule oblong, 1-celled.
Lat. sapo, soap ; the mucillacrinous juice is said to make soap. Cal. inferior,
5-toothed. Claws long as caF. Limb dilated toward the end. Fil. long as
•cal. and styles. Stig. acute, downy. Caps, concealed in the calyx.
S. officina'lis.
Cahjx cylindrical ; hates lanceolate, Inclining to elliptical. A hardy, smooth
and suculent plant, with handsome flowers resembling the pink, (Dianthus.)
Steins 1 or 2 teet high, with opposite leaves, and a terminal panicle of erect,
flesh-colored flowersT The taste is bitter, and the juice in water will raise a
lather like soap, and will take out spots of grease. Road-sides. Jl. Aug.
Per. Introduced and naturalized. Flowers frequently double.
Common Soap-icort.
10. D I A' N T H U S .
Calyx cylindrical, tubular, with scales at base ; petals 5,
with long claws; stamens 10; styles 2; capsule cylindric,
1-celled.
Gr. Aio« civ^oi, Jupiter's flower, or the divine flower; so named on ac-
count of Its preeminent beauty and fragrance. Cal. inferior, striate, 5-toothed,
with 2 or more pairs of opposite, imbricate scales at base. Claws as long as
cal. Limb flat, dilated outwards, unequally notched. Fil. as long as calyx.
Ova. oval. Sty. longer than stam., with revolute, tapering stig.
1. D. Arme'ria.
Florcers aggregate, fascicled; scales of the calyx villose, lanceolate, as long
as the tube. ° Our only native species of the pink. In fields and pine woods.
Stem a foot high, leafy, pubescent, corymbose above. Leaves opposite, pu-
bescent, linear'lanceolate, the lower ones broader, clasping at base. Flowers
terminal, small, without fragrance. Petals pink, sprinkled with white, crenate
on the margin. Aug. Ann. "'*'''^ Fink.
2. D. barba'tus.
Flowers aggregate, fascicled ; scales ovate, subulate, as long as the tube;
leaves lanceolate. Long known and valued as an ornamental flower, and is
still esteemed, as in the times of old Gerarde, " for its beauty to deck up the
bosoms of the beautiful, and garlands and crowns for pleasure." It has many
varieties. Flowers in J n., Jl. Per. Sweet William.
3. D. Chine'nsis.
Stem branched ; flower solitary ; scales linear, leafy, spreading, as long as
the tube ; leaves linear-lanceolate. An elegant species, well characterized by
its leafy, spreading scales, and its large, toothed or crenate, red petals. The
foliage, like the oUier species, is evergreen, being as abundant and vivid in
winter as in summer. Native of China. JL— Sept. Bien. China P ink.
4. D. pluma'rius.
Glaucous; s«e7ns 2— 3-flowered ;*jffoz«r5 solitary ; teetlihluni; bracts ov^le,
very pointed; leaves linear, rough at the edge; corolla many-cleft, throat
PORTOLACACE^. 68 PORTOLACA.
hairy. Native of Europe. From this species probably originated those beau-
tiful pinks called pheasants' eyes, of which there are enumerated in Scotland,
no less than 3UU varieties. Flowers white and purple. Jn. — Aug. Per.
aingle Pink. Phtasants'-cycs.
5. D. caryophy'llus.
Floicers solitary; scales very short, ovate; petals very broad, beardless;
leaves linear-subulate, channeled, glaucous. Stem 2 — 3 feet high, branched.
Flowers wliite and crimson ; petals crenate. This species is supposed to be
the parent of all the varieties of the splendid Carnation. Over 400 sorts are
now enumerated by florists, distinguished mostly by some peculiarity in col-
ors, which are crimson, white, red, purple, scarlet, yellow, and arranged in
every possible order of stripes, dots, flakes, angles, &c. Carnations are pro-
pagated by layers, cuttings and seeds. They thrive best in ricli loam, rather
sandy, and should be protected from all extremes of heat or cold, dryness or
moisture. Cumutiun Pink.
6. D. SUPE'RBUS.
Flowers fastigiate ; scales short, ovate, mucronate ; petals pinnate. A singu-
larly beautiful pink, native of Europe. Stem 2 t'eet high, paniculate, branch-
ing, with many flowers. Petals white, gashed in a pinnate manner beyond the
middle, and hairy at tlie mouth of the tube. Jl. — Sept. Per. Superb Pink.
The species of this admirable genus are quite numerous, exceeding a hun-
dred, nearly all of them valued as well for tlieir fragrance as their beauty,
displaying the gentler attributes of their Creator.
ORDER XXy. PORTULACACEtE. The Purslane Tribe.
Cal. — Sepals 2, united at the base.
Cor. — Petals 5, somelimes more or less, imbricated in rostivation,
Sta. — Variable in number. Filaments distinct. Anthers versatile or introrse.
Ova. — Superior, l-t-elled. Styles several stigmatose along the inner suriace.
i'V. — A pyxis, dehiscing by a lid, or capsule, loculicidal, with as many valves as stigmas.
A small order of succrjent plants, inhabiting dry places in every quarter of the world.
They possess no remarkable properties.
Genera.
Stamens 8^90, Porhii/ira. 1
Slanretis 5, Claytonia. 2
1. PORTULA'CA.
Sepals 2, the upper portions deciduous; petals 5, equal;
style 3 — 6-cIeft; pyxis subglobose, dehiscing near the middle,
many-seeded.
An ancient name, of unknown origin. Low, herbaceoits weeds. Flowers
expanding only in sunshine.
P. olera'cea.
Leaves cuneate ; foicrrs sessile. A prostrate, fleshy weed, more common
in our gardens than seems desirable. Stem thick and succulent, much branched
and spreading, smooth. Leaves fleshy, sessile, rounded at tlie end. Flowers
3'ellaw. The herbage of tlie plant is of ft reddish green color. Sometimes
used -ds a. pot-herb. Jn.— Aug. Ann. Purslane.
ELATINACE^. 69 ELATINE.
2. CLAYTO'NIA.
Calyx of 2 sepals ; corolla of 5, emarginate, obcordate pe-
tals; stamens 5, inserted on the claws of the petals; stigma
3-cleft; capsule 3-valved, 2 — Sseeded.
In memory of John Clayton, a botanist of Virginia. Small, fleshy, delicate,
early-iowering plants.
1. C. Carolinia'na.
Leaves ovate-lanceolate ; sepals and petals obtuse ; root tuberous. A pretty
little plant, flowering in April, common among the rocky hills of N. England.
Root a compressed, brown tubercle, buried at a depth in the ground equal to
the heioht of the plant. Root-leaves very few if any, spathulale. Stem weak,
2—3 inches higli, with a pair of opposite leaves half-way up, which are ob-
long-ovate, entire, obtuse, tapering at base into the petiole. Flowers in a
terminal cluster, white, with a slight tinge of red, and beautifully penciled
with purple lines. Apr. May. Per. Spring beauty.
2. C. Virgi'nica.
Leaves linear-lanceolate ; petals obovate, mostly emarginate or retuse ; sepals
rather acute ; pedicels slender, nodding. Habits similar to the last, but less
common in the Northern States. Tubercle or cormus as large as a hazel-nut,
deep in the ground. Stem a few inches high, weak, with a pair of opposite,
very narrow leaves. Flowers 5 — 10, rose-colored, with deeper colored veins,
in a terminal raceme. Apr. May. Per. Virginian Spring Beautij.
ORDER XXVI. ELATINACE^. The Water-pepper Tribe.
Cal. — Sepals 2 — 5, distinct or slightly coherent at the base, persistent.
Cor. — Petals hypog^nons, as many as the sepals.
Sta. — Equal m number to, or twice as many as the petals. Anthers introrse.
Ova. — i — 5-celled. Styles '2 — 5. Stigmas capitate ; placentce in the axis.
Fr. — Capsular. Seeds numerous.
A very small order of annual marsh plants, found in every part of tlie globe, and having
no known peculiar properties. The only known Northern genus is the Elatine of Linnaeus,
the Crj'pta of Nuttall or the Peplis of Pursh.
ELA'TINE.
Stigmas sessile, minute.
Gr iXarr), fir; the fine, slender leaves of some of the species have been
compared to those of the fir-tree.
E. AmeRICA'NA. L. Cypta minima. JV. Peplys Americana. P.
Stevi diffuse, procumbent, striate, rooting from the joints, with assurgent
branches; leaves cuneate-oval or obovate, obtuse, entire; stales 0; sepals,
petals, stamens and stigmas 2 or 3, as well as the cells and valves of the cap-
sule ; stipules very minute. A small mud plant, on the borders of ponds and
rivers. Flowers axillary, sessile, solitary. Corolla minute, closed. Jl. — Sept.
Mud Purslane.
GERANlACEJi;. 70 GERANIDM.
ORDER XXVII. LlNACEiE. The Flax Tribe.
Oil— Sepals 3, 4 or 5, distinct, or more or less united ; aestivation stron-jly imbricated.
Cor. — Petals equal in number to sepals, hypogynous, uiig-uieulate ; ajestivation twisted.
fSta — :3. 4 or 5, united at base into a hypogj-nous'ring-, which is often toothed, opposite the p3t.
Oca.— Of as many cells as sepals or styles. Stigma capitate.
Sds. — Solitary in each cell, compressed.
An order containing only a very few herbaceous plants or small .shrubs, yet a very im-
portant one in the arts. The Linum has a very tenacious fibre in its bark, which is wrought
into thread and clutli, forming the ^/ne?! of commerce. Some species arc cathartic, and yield
from their seeds a fine mucilage. Only one genus need be mentioned here, \-iz :
LINUM.
Sepal.s, petals and slarnens 5; styles 5, rarely 3 ; capsule 5-
celled, cells nearly divided by a false dissepiment.
Gr. Xivov, flax, which is from Uin in Celtic, signifying a thread.
1. L. Virginia'n'jm.
Calyx leaves acute ; pa7iicles coryn)bose, terminal ; Jloicers remoie , alternate ;
leaves alternate, oblong-lanceolate, those of the root ovate. Woods, &c. Stem
slender, leafy, 1 — 3 feet high, ascending, bearing at top a thin panicle of small,
yellow flowers on short pedicels. Jl. Ann. yirginiaii or Wild Flax.
2. L. USITATl'SSIMUM.
CaZi/z Zcrtzjcs ovate, acute, 3-nerved; petals ere n?ite; Zcarcs lanceolate, alter-
nate ; stevi nearly solitary. This important plant has been cultivated from
the earliest antiquity, for the fibres of its bark, which when separated from
its woody stalk by the hrahe, and cleared from the tow by the hatchcl, is spun
into thread and woven into linen cloth. So ancient is ihe manufacture of linen,
that it appears to have been carried to great perfection in Egypt, in the times
of the Pharaohs, (Gen. 41: 42;) and mummies are there found at this da}',
enveloped in linen fabrics of great fineness and beauty, which can bo no less
than 3000 yeais old. The seeds yield the linseed oil, so extensively used in
mixing paint, printer's ink, ^-c. Native country unknown; perhaps it is in-
digenous to many. Stern 1 or 2 feet high, branching above, with 3-nerved
leaves, and bearing at top niany handsome blue flowers, Jn. Jl. Ann. Flax.
ORDER XXVIII. GERANIACEiB. The Geranium Tribe.
Col. — Sepals 5, persistent, ribbed, one sometimes saccate or spurred at base.
Cor. — Petals 5, hypog>'nous or perigj-nous, unguiculate : aestivation twisted.
Sta. — Usually monadelphous. hypogynous, twice or thrice as many as the petals.
Ova. — 1 Of 3 united carpels, 2 ovuled, alternate wjtjj sepals, upon an elongated axis, from
Fr.—i \ which tliey separate in fruit, curving upwards on the persistent style.
A small order of herbaceous plants or shrubs, with tumid and separable joints. The
Cape of Good Hope is the favorite habitation of some of the most important genera. Most
species of the beautiful Pelargonia are native oj','that region alone.
Conspectus of-M Genera.
fall perfect, . . .'.'*; Garaniuvi. 1
< .5 perfect, witli 5 shorter and imperfect, .... Erodium. 2
Stamens 10. ( 7 perl'eet ; corolla irregular, Pelargonium. 3
1. GERA'NIUM.
Sepals and petals 5, regular; glands 5, nectariferous, uni-
ted to the base of the longer stamens; stamens 10, all perfect ;
GKRANIACEiE. 71 GEfiANlUM.
fruit rostrate, at length separating into 5, long-styled, 1-seed-
ed carpels; styles smooth inside.
Gr. yipd'joi, a crane ; the capsule and beak resembling the head of that
bird, fcityles erect, longer than the stamens, permanent. Stig. 5, oblong, re-
flexed. Carpels 5, aggregate, globose, each tipped with the long, linear, erect
pointed, rigid style, smooth, naked, at length recurved and adhering by its
point to the summit of the axis. This is the original genus of Linnaeus, for-
merly including all those ornamental species popularly called Geraniums,
since divided by L'Heritier into the three genera, Erodium, Pelargonium and
Geranium.
1. G. macula'tum.
Leaves 3 — 5-parted, cut, radical ones on Very long stalks ; peduncles 2-flo\v-
ered ; stem somewhat angular, dichotomous, erect, retorsely pubescent. This'
species is very common in moist woods, about streams, &c., and is not inferi-
or in beauty to many that are cultivated in the parlor and green-house. Stem
1 or 2 feet high. Leaves large, hairy, deeply lobed and variously cut, upper
ones nearly sessile. Flowers large, purple, 2 together on a long, hairy pedun-
cle. The leaves in late summer and autumn are said to become marked with
pallid spots, as the name .indicates. Root astringent, medicinal, perennial.
May, June. Spotted Geranium,
2. G. Robertia'num.
Leaves 3 — 5-parted, the segments pinnatifidly 3-cleft ; peduncles 2-flowered ;
cali/x 10-angled, awned, much shorter than the entire petals. A smaller and
less interesting plant than the preceding, but no less common. Found in dry,
rocky places. It has a reddish stem, with long, diffuse, weak branches.
Leaves stalked, somewhat hairy, ternate or quinate, with pinnatifid leaflets.
Flowers small, pale pur])le. Capsules small, rugose, keeled. Seeds smooth.
Tiie plant has a strong, disagreeable smell. Flowers from May to Sept. Per.
Herb Rohtrt. Stinking Cranes' -hill,
3. G. pusi'llum.
Leaves 5-parted, the lobes 3-cleft,, linear; prduncles2-Q.0V7ereA, long; petals
emarginate, as long as the awned calj^v. A delicate annual species, growing
in waste grounds, pastures, «fcc. Stem weak, a foot high, branching, covered
with short deflected hairs. Leaves ppposite, divided almost to the base into
5 or 7 lobes, these again variously cut. Peduncles axillary, forked, bearing'
2 purplish red flowers in Jn. and Jl.
4. G. Carolinia'num.
Leaves b-\oheA, lobes trifid, cut; peduncles 2-flowered, clustered at the end
of tlie branches; petals emarginate, as long as the awned calyx. A diffuse,
pubescent plant, 8 — 15 inches high. Leaves on long stalks, beautifully and
deeply divided, and of a S-sided figure. Flowers rose-colored. Jl. Bien.
Carolinian Geranium.
5. G. sangui'neum.
Stem erect, diffuse, branched ; peduncle longer than petioles ; leaves opposite,
5-parted, lobes trifid, with linear segments. A beautiful species, native of
Europe, deemed worthy of culture by many a florist. Grows about afoot
high. Leaves orbicular, deeply divided into 5 or 7, 3-fid lobes. Flowers
large, round, of a deep red or blood color. Bloodij Geranium,
GERANIACEJC. 7ii PELARGONIUM.
6. G. anemo'nifo'lium.
Stem shrubby; leaves smooth, palmate, 5-cut, the seg. bipinnatifid; pedun-
cles opposite, erect, hairy, 2-flo\vered. An extremely beautiful species, from
the Cape. Stem 3 feet high, with large, fern-like leaves of the most delicate,
glossy green. Flowers large, red. Jlneinonc-kavtd Geranium.
2. ERO'DIUM.
Calyx 5-leaved ; petals 5 ; scales 5, alternate with the fila-
ments and nectariferous glands at the base of the stamens;
filaments 10, the 5 alternate ones abortive; fruit rostrate, of
b aggregate capsules, each tipped with tlie long spiral style,
bearded inside.
Gr. i^ai2ioi, a heron, because the fruit resembles the beak of that bird.
1. E. cicuta'rium.
Stem, prostrate or diffuse, hairy ; leaves pinnate, with cut-pinnatifid segments;
peduncles double, many-flowered; petals unequal. A small species in waste
places, with prostrate or diffuse branches, and many finely divided leaves,
which somewhat resemble those of the cicuta or poison hemlock. Flowers
small, purple, irregular. The whole plant is fetid. Apr. Ann.
Hemlock Geranium.
/3. bipinnatum has a caulescent stem, diffuse branches, segments of leaves
pinnatifid, with linear lobes.
2. E. moscha'tum.
Siew procumbent ; leaves pinnated with stalked, ovate, unequally serrated
segments; peduncles downy, glandular; petals equalling the calyx. Native
of England. Sometimes cultivated for the strong musky scent of its herbage.
A foot high. Leaves large, flowers small, purple. May — Jl. Ann.
Musk Geranium.
3. PELARGO'NIUM.
Calyx of 5 sepals, the upper one ending in a nectariferous
tube, extending down the peduncle with which it is connect-
ed; petals 5, irregular, longer than the sepals ; tilaments 10,
3 of them barren.
Gr. TTiXu-Qyoi, a stork, in allusion to the beak of the fruit, which resembles
the bill of tliat bird, as well as to preserve an analogy with Geranium,
(Crane's-bill) from which genus this was taken. An immense genus from
the Cape of Good Hope, embracing more than 200 species and several hun-
dred varieties, with endless differences of form, size and color. No genus
seems to be regarded with such universal favor for green-house plants as this.
The species are cultivated witii assiduous attention, by nearly every family,
which makes the least pretensions to taste, throughout the civilized world.
* Stem very short. Root tuberous.
1. P. FLAVUM.
Leayes decompound, lasciniate, hairy; srrrments linear ; tnnh el ma.ny -low-
ered; 5icm very simple. Flowers brownish yellow. From the Cape of Good
Hope, as well as all the other species. Carrot-leaved Geranium.
GERANIACKJE. 73 PELARGONIUM.
2. P. TRISTI.
Leape.9 hairy, pinnate ; Ze^/^cfs bipinnatifid ; divisions linear, acute. Afoot
hifjii. Flov^ers dark green, in simple umbels. Mourning Geranium.
**Stem elongated, herbaceous or sufFruticose.
3. P. ODORATI'SSIMUM.
Leaves roundish, cordate, very soft ; stem short, fleshy ; Iranches herbaceous,
long-diffuse. Chiefly valued for the powerful, aromatic smell of the leaves,
the flowers being small, whitish. JVutmeg-sceuted Geranium.
4. P. alchemilloi'des.
Slem villous; leaves cordate, villous, 5-lobed, palmate; peduncles few-flow-
ered; stigma sessile. Stein G inches high, diffuse, very hairy, with deflt-xed
bristles. Flowers pink-colored. Ladif s-vtaatlc Geranium.
5. P. TRICOLOR.
Stem sufFruticose, erect; /c«»es lanceolate, villous, cut-dentate, trifid ; xipper
petals glandular at base. Stem Ig feet high. This species is distinguished
for its beautifully variegated flowers. Petals roundish and nearly uniform in
shape, but very different in color. Tlie 3 lower ones are white, slightly veined ;
the 2 upper, of a rich purple, almost black at base. Tkree-colorcd Geranium.
6. coriandrifo'lium.
Stem herbaceous, biennial, somewhat downy; leaves bipinnate, smooth;
lobes linear, subpinnalifid. Stem diffase, a foot high. Distinguished by the
finely divided leaves and large flowers. The 2 upper petals much the largest,
obovate, veined with purple ; the 3 lower, of which the middle one is often
wanting, are narrow and of a pure white. Coriander-leaved Geranium.
*"'* Leaves neither divided nor angular; stem fruticose.
7. P. GLAUCUM.
Veri/ smooth and glaucous; leaves lanceolate, entire, acuminate; peduncles
1 or 2-flowered. Stem 3 feet high, shrubby and branched. The plant is re-
markably distinguished by its leaves. Peduncles axillary, with 1 or 2 elegant
flowers. Petals obovate, of a delicate blush-color, with red veins.
Glaucous-leaved Geranium.
8. P. BETULINU.M.
Leaves ovate, unequally serrate, smoothish ; stipules ovate-lanceolate ; pe-
duncles 2 — 4-flowered. Stem shrubby, 3 feet high. The plant is well named
for its leaves. Flowers pale pink, with deep-red veins. Blrck-leavcd Geranium.
9. P. ACETO'SUM.
Leaves ■very smooth, obovate, crenate, somewhat fleshy; peduncles few-
flowered ; pdals linear. Slem shrubby, 3 feel high. Named for the acid fla-
vor of the leaves. Flowers pink. Sorrel-leaved Geranium.
**** Leaves either angular, lobed or palmate ; stem fruticose.
10. p. zona'le.
Leaves cordate-orbicniar, obsoletely lobed, toothed, marked v;!th a concen-
tric zone. Stem thick, shrubbv, 2 or 3 feet high. One of the most popular
G
GERANIACE^. 74 PELARGONIUM.
of all the species. Leaves always marked with a dark concentric stripe of
various shades. The flowers are of a bright scarlet, urnbelled, on long pedun-
cles. It has many varieties, of wliich the most remarkable is
p. mar (finale, silver-edged, the leaves of which are bordered with white.
Horseshoe, Geranium.
11. P. i'nquinans.
Leaves round, renifornr, scarcely divided, crenate, viscid; jirnhcJs many-
flowered; petals obovate, cuneate. Justly admired for the vivid scarlet of its-
numerous flowers. The name alludes to the reddish, clammy moisture which
stains the fingers in liandling the soft downy branches. Scarlet Geranium.
12. P. PELTATUM.
Leaves 5-lobed, entire, fleshy, smooth, more or less peltate; umbels few-
flowered. Stem climbing, several feet in length. Whole plant very smooth.
A beautiful species with umbels of very handsome purplish flowers.
Ivy-leaved Geranium.
13. P. tetrago'num.
Sr«7?,c/(C5 4-cornered, fleshy; leiives cordate, bluntly lobed, somewhat toothed.
Petals 4; the 2 upper ones pale pi»k, with crimson veins; the 2 lower, small,
white. Leaves small, rounded, notched, with scattered hairs.
Square-stalked Geranium.
14. P. grandiflCrum.
Smooth, glaucous ; leaves 5-lobed, palmated, cordate at base, the lobes den-
tate towards the end ; petals three times as long as calyx. Distinguished for
the size and beauty of tiie flowers, which are white, the 2 upper ones elegantly
veined and tinged with red, larger than the rest. Large-jlowercd G&ranium.
15. P. grave'olens.
Leaves palmately 7-lobed ; lobes oblong, bluntly toothed, revolute and very
rough at the edge ; umbels many-flowered, capitate. Nectary about half as
lon^as caly.x. Leaves very fragrant. Flower purple. Ruse-scented Geranium.
16. P. ra'dula.
Leaves palmate, rough; lobes narrow, pinnatifid, revolute at edge, with
linear segments. Umbels few-flowered. Nectary nearly as long as calyx.
Flower purple. Distinguished for its large, rough leaves, deeply divided into
linear segments, and with a rich, mint-like fragrance. Rasp-leaved Geranium.
17. P. quercifo'lium.
LcftBCA' cordate, pinnatifid, with rounded recesses ; /o&C5 obtusely crenate;
iranc/ics and petioles hispid. Leaves rough, often spotted. Flowers purplish.
Oak-leaved. Geranium .
The above are among the more distinct and popular species ofthis vast and
favorite genus. Innumcrabk' varieties, produced from seeds and propagated
by cuttings, are equally conunon in collections, and often of superior beauty.
Many splendid works on this order have been published, among which the
" Geraniaceaj' of Mr. Sweet is the most extensive, in which " are figured and
described, not only all the known species, but the multitudes of hybrid erea-
ttuns oroduccd bv the assistance of modern ingenuity."
B41.S4MINACE.?;.
75 IMPATIENS.
ORDER XXIX. BALSAMINACEiE. The Balsam Tribe.
Fls. — Very irregular.
Oii.^Sepals 5, deciduous, the 2 upper connate, the lowest spurred or gibbous.
Cor. — Petals 4, hypogynous, united by pairs, or rarely .'3, distinct.
Sla. — 5, hypogynous. Filaiiii nis su\m\ii\e. Xnt/iers ij-celled.
0va.—5-ce]iell, compound. ,V/i,»(,/x sessile. . ,/■■"?■'", '
J^r.— Capsular, 5-eelled,burstnigelastically by 5 valves, Sds. several m each cell. J^mbr.
Annual herbs with succulent stems and simple leaves. This order embracj-s but lew
genera, of which one onlv is represented in the U. Stales. With regard to its properties
*ud uses it is ol'uo iniporiancc. Some of its species are highly oruanienial.
■1. IMPA'TIENS.
Sepals apparently but 4, the 2 upper being united : petals
apparently 2, each of the lower being united to each of the
lateral ones; anthers cohering at the apex; capsule often 1-
celled by the obliteration of the dissepiments., 5-valved, burst-
ing elastically.
A Lat. term applied to these plants on account of the capsules, which, when
ripe, burst at the slightest touch.
1. I. pa'lida.
Peduncles solitary, 2— 4-flowered ; lower sepal obtusely conical, dilated,
shorter than the petals ; spur recurved, very short ; floicers sparing-ly punctate ;
leaves rhomb-ovate, mucronote-toothed ; seeds elliptical. A curious annual
plant, found about wet, shady ])laces. Stem 2 feet high, succulent and brit-
tle, with alternate leaves. Flowers yellow, on branching, axillary stalks,
resembling ear-drops in form, whence the plant is often called Jewel-weed.
The capsules when mature, burst at the slightest touch and scatter the seed ;
whence its more common English name, Touch-me-not, and the French, Ke-
me-touchez-jms. Aug. Touch-me-not.
2. I. FULVA.
Peduncles solitary, 2— 4-flowered ; lower sepal acutely conic, longer than
the petals; spur resupinate, emarginate, nearly as long as the upper sepals
(cralea) ; flowers with crowded spots ; leaves rhomb-ovate, obtuse, mucronate-
toothed ; seeds prismatic. Common in wet, shady places. Nearly resembles
the foregoing in habit, aspect, and in the irritability of the capsules. Stern
covered^'witli a glaucous powder, succulent, diaphanous, swelling at the joints.
Flowers yellow, spotted with red within. Hight 2—3 feet. A'^ug. Ann.
J eic el-weed.
3. I. Balsami'na.
Floiccr stalks clustered; Zeacw lanceolate, the upper ones alternate; spur
shorter than the flower. From the F- [ndies. It is one of the most beautiful
of garden annuals, forming a showy pyramid of finely variegated carnation-
like flowers. The prevailing colors of the petals are red and while, but the
former varies in every possible shade of crimson, scarlet, purple, pink and
flesh-color. The flowers are often double. Garden Balsamine.
Suborder, TROP.EOLACE^.
Flowers irregular. Calyx of 5, colored, united sepals, the lowest one spurred ; coroHa
of 5 petals, the 3 lower ones stalked ; stamens 8, distinct, unequal ; ovary of 3 united car-
pels ; style 1 1 stigmas 3; fruit indeiiiscent, separating into 3 1-seeded nuts; seeds large,
.without albumen.
Trailing or twining herbs, with a pungent, watery juice.
OXALIDACE.^. 76 FL(ERREA.
2. TROPiE'OLUM.
Characters essentially the same as of the suborder.
Lat. trojxriim^ a trophy; because tlie leaf resembles a shield, and the flower
a helmet stained with blood, both ancient weapons of war, of wliich trophies
were formed. Well known annual, trailinjr plants, both ornamental and cul-
inary. Their properties are antiscorbutic, t&c.
T. MAJUS.
Leaves peltate, repand ; petals obtuse, some of them fringed. Native of
Peru. Tlie flowers are large and showy, orange colored, with spots of deep-
er shade, the calyx unequally 5-cleft, protracted into a long spur or nectary
behind. Leaves a fine example of the form called peltate, the petiole being
inserted near the middle. The flowers are eaten for salad, and esteemed very
grateful. The fruit is pickled as a substitue for capers. In the evening, the
flowers emit, at certain intervals, faint flashes of electrical light, a curious
fact first observed by the daughter of Linnajus. Aa^lurtion. Jiidiin Cress.
ORDER XXX. LIMNANTITACEiE.
CaJ.. — Sepals 3—5, united at base, persistent, valvate in sestivation.
Cor. — Petals 3 — 5, marescent, inserted upon an hypogynous disk.
Sta. — Tw-ice as many as petals and inserted with them. Filavients opposite the sepals, with
Ova. — Ot:2 — .5 distinct carpels. Sly.xyniXeA iSi/g-. simple, [a small process outside the base.
Fr. — An achenium, rather fleshy. Seeds solitary.
A very small order of small hercaceous plants, mostly natives of the temperate parts of
North America. They have no very remarkable properties. Flccrkea is the only northern
genus.
F L GE' R K E A .
Sepals 3, lonj^er tlian the 3 petals; stamens G; ovaries 3,
tuberculate; stjie S-cleft.
Named in honor of Flcerke, a German botanist. Small, aquatic plants,
with leaves pinnatel}' divided.
F. PROSERPINACOi'deS. Lind. F. uliginosa. Mh.
Lravcx alternate, those above the water pinnate, those submerged ternate,
all on slender stalks. Stem decumbeitt, less than a foot in length, weak and
slender. Petals small, white. Achenia large, two or solitary. Grows in
marshes, and on the shores of rivers and lakes. Apr. May. False Mermaid..
ORDER XXXI. OXALIDACE.^.
Cal. — Sepals .5, persistent, equal, sometimes slightly roliering at the liase.
Cor. — Petals 5, hypogynous, equal, iniguiculate, deciduous, twisted in a;stivation.
Stn. — 10, hypogynous, more or less monodelphous, those opposite the petals longest.
Ova. — Carpels .5, united, opposite the petals.
Ft. — Cap.sular, usually mendiranous, 5-lobed and 5-celled.
A small order of hcrlinccous plants, inhabiting hot and temperate regions. The stem
and leaves generally contain free oxalic acid. This order is represented in the Northern
Slates by the following genus only.
ZANTHOXYLACE^. 77
OXA'LIS.
Sepals 5, distinct or united at base ; petals much larger than
calyx; styles 5, capitate ; capsule oblong or subglobose.
Gr. o|t/j, sour; the leaves of many species are of an acid taste.
* Acquiescent.
1. O. acetoce'lla.
Stemless; sco^e longer than the leaves, 1-flowcred ; /cnre.? ternate ; leaflets
broad-obcordate, with rounded lobes ; styles as long as the inner stamens ;
root dentate, sealy. Leaves palmately 3-foliate, on long-, weak stalks, purplish
beneath. Peduncles longer than the leaves, each with a nodding, scentless
flower, whose petals are white, j'ellowish at the base, delicately veined with
purple. The whole plant has an agreeable acid taste. Woods and shady
places. Flowers in June. Per. Common IVoud-surrd.
2. 0. VIOL.V'CEA.
Stemless; scape umbelifepous; pedicels sub-pubescent; jlovers noddincr;
leaves ternate, smooth; tips of the nuhjx fleshy; styles shorter than the outer
stamens. An elegant species, with purple flowers. Scape rather taller than
the leaves, bearing an umbel of 3 — 9 drooping flowers. Leaves palmately 3-
foliate. Leaflets very broadly obeordate. Petals recurved, striate, of a deli-
cate light purple. May. Per. I'iolet-colured icood-sorrel.
** Caulescent.
3. 0. STRICTA.
Peduncles umbeliferous ; stem branching, erect ; leaves ternate ; leaflets
obeordate ; styles as long as the inner stamens. This plant varies in hjght
from (i to 12 inches or more, according to the soil. Stem leafy, round, smooth,
succulent. Leaves palmately 3-foliate, numerous, scattered, on long stalks.
Umbels on long, axillary stalks, about the length of the petioles. Flowers
small, yellow, appearing all summer. Per. Yelloui Wood-surrcl.
4. 0. cornicula'ta.
Pubescent; sdcjn. branching, creeping, diff'use ; /*^«rcs ternate ; ?//7!Zi^/5 short- '
er than the petioles, few-flowered; 'petals wedge-form, erose at the apex;
styles long as the inner stamens. Grows in Woods. Sometimes called Ladies
Wond-sorrel. Distintruished readily by its long, creeping stems. Floweis
yellow, appearing in May and after.
ORDER XXXIII. ZANTHOXYLACE^E. PrickiyAsh Tribe.
Flowers clioBciou,s. Sepals 3 — 9, small, rohering at the base.
Cnr. — Petals longer than the sepals, of the same number or 0.
6Vo.— Alternate with petals, nf the same numl)er, seldom twice as many; in the pistillate
flowers either wanting or imperfeet. Ant/irrs introrse.
Ova. — Usually of the same number as sepals, stipitate, distinet or united.
Fr. — Baccate, membranaceous or drupaceous, or 2-valved capsules.
An order consisting of trees and shrubs, chiefly of Tropical America, only two genera
being found in tlie United States.
Properties, Bitter, aromatic and .siimulant : properties residing chiefly in the bark.
G*
ANACAKDIACEJK. 78 BHUS.
ZANTHOXYLUM.
Perfect JI. Calyx inferior, 5-parted ; corolla 0; stamens
3 — 6; pistils 3 — 5; carpels 3—5, l-seeded. Pislillnlcjl. Wke
the perfect, but wanting tlie sfannens. Slaminatejl. like the
perfect, but wanting the pistils.
Gr. ^avSoi, yellow, |yXov, wood; from the color of the wood.
Z. America'num.
Prickiy ; leaves pinnate ; leaflets ovate, sub-entire, sessile, equal at the base ;
nmhfils axillary. Tlie prickly ash is a shrub 10 or 12 feet liiffh, growing in
woods in most parts of the U. S. The branches aie armed with strong, coni-
cal, brown prickles with a broad base. Leaflets about 5 pairs, with an odd
one, smooth above, downy beneath ; common petioles, with or without prick-
les. Flowers in sn)all, dense umbels, axillary, greenish, appearing before the
leaves. The perfect and staminate ones grow upon the same, and the pistilate,
uoon a separate tree. The bark is bitter, aromatic and stimulant, used for
rheumatism and to alleviate the tooth-ache. Apr. May.
Pricldy Jlsh. Tooth-achc-tree.
ORDER XXXIV. ANACARDJACE/E. The Cusheio Tribe.
Flowers perfect, sometimes polygamous or tliccciuus, reg:ular, small.
Cal. — Sepals 3 — 5, united at base, persistent.
Cor. — Petals same number as sepals, sometimes 0, imbricate in ajstivatinn,
Sta.—As many as petals, alternate willi tliera, distinct, on the base ol'tUe calyx.
Ova. — 1-celled, free. Ovule onp. Styles 3 or 0. Stigy/mso. .
Fr. — A beny or drupe, usually the latter and one-seeded.
An order of trees and shrubs, chiefly natives of tropical regions, represented in the United
States by the genus Rhus only.
Propertus. These plants abound in a resinous juice, which is often poisonous, but is used
as an indelible ink in marking linen, and as an ingredient in varnish. Even the exhalations,
from some of the species are deeinecl poisonous. The Cashew nut is the product of a small
tree of both Indies. When fresli the kernel is full of a milky juice, and has a most deli-
cious taste, but the coats are filled with a caustic oil which blisters the skin, and kills warts.
RHUS.
Calyx of 5 sepals united at the base; petals and stamens 5;
fruit a small, l-sceded, subglobose drupe.
Said to be from Qtoj^ to flow ; because it is u.seful in stopping hcemorrhage-
* Leaves pinnate.
1. R. GLABRA.
Leaflets smooth, lanceolate, acuminate, acutely serrate, whitish beneath ;
fruit downy. A common Sumach, growing in thickets and waste grounds,
6 — 12 feet liigh. The shri>b consists of many straggling branches, and is
smooth in all its parts. Leaves pinnate, with a dozen or more pairs of leaflets.
Flowers in terminal clusters, numerous, dense, greenish-red, succeeded in
Autumn by crimson colored drupes. These are at length covered with a
whitish crust, extremely acid. The drupes dye red. The bark of this, as welJ
ANACARDIACEiE. 79
as the other species, is used in tanning. Lands long neglected are sometimes
overrun by this shrub. A variety has dioecious flowers. Jn. Jl.
Smoolli Sumach.
2. R. TYPHl'NA,
Branches and petioles very villous; lenfcts oblong-lanceolate, acuminate,
acutely serrate, pubescent beneath, in many pairs. A larger Suniacli than
tlie former, attaining tlie height of 20 feet. It grows in low grounds, hedges,
&c. The younger slioots and leaf-stalks, are thickly covered with stiff hairs.
Leaves pinnate, of many pairs of leaflets. Panicle terminal, dense, oblong.
Drupes compact, purple, downy, very acid. The wood is of a sulphur yellow-
color, and aromatic odor, dying yellow. Jn. SUig-horn Sumach.
3. R. Copalli'na.
Leaves pinnate, the petiole winged ; Icnflets oval-lanceolate, entire ; flowers
dioecious. A smaller species, not half the height of the last, in hilly woods,
«&:c. Leaves dark green and shining on the upper surface. The stalk be-
tween each pair of leaflets, expands into a leafy margin. Panicle of flowers
sessile, greenish. Drupes red. Jl. A variety has the leaflets coarse!}' serrate.
Mountain Sumach.
4. R. VENENA'TA. Dc. R. vernix. L.
Very smooth; lenflcts oval, abruptly acuminate, entire, in many pairs;
vanicle loose; flowers dicccioua. A shrub or small tree, of fine appearance,
growing in swamps. The trunk is several inches in diameter, with diff'use,
spreading branches at top. The leaf-stalks are very smooth, wingless, of a
fine red color. Leaves pinnate, of about 5 pairs of sessile leaflets, and an odd
one stalked. Panicles axillary ; those of the barren tree larger and more dif-
fuse. Flowers very small, green. Drupes smooth, whitisli. The whole plant
is very poisonous to the taste or touch, and even taints the air to some distance
around, with its effluvium, rendering it pernicious to breath. In 48 hours
after exposure, inflammation appears on the skin, particularly on the extremi-
ties, in large blotches, with burning and itching, terminating in watery pus-
tules and eruptions. On some constitutions, it has little or no effect. The
varnish called Japan, is a product of this shrub, exuding from incisions made
in the bark. Jn. Poison Sumach. Dog-Wood.
* " Leaves ternate.
5. R. toxicode'ndron.
Erect ; leaflets ternate, entire or sinuate-lobed, broad oval : flowers dioecious.
A small shrub, 1 — 3 feet high, smooth in all its parts. Grows in woods.
Leaves large, shining on tlie upper side. Flowers green, small, in axillary
panicles. Poisonous, but in a less degree than the last, Jn. — Jl. Poison Oak.
6. R. RA'DICANS.
Stem climbing and rooting. A well known climber, ascending trees to great
bights, supported by lateral roots. Leaves ternate, on long stalks, smooth and
shining on both sides. Flowers in axillary panicles, small, greenish. Drupes
whitish. Connnon in woods and hedges. Poisonous. The juice is useful for
marking linen. Jn. Poison Ivy.
7. R. aroma'tica.
Leaves ternate ; leafl.ets sessile, incisely crenate, pubescent beneath ; the
lateral ones ovate, the terminal ones rhomboid. Flowers in close aments.
AURANTIACE^. 80
A small shrub, 2 — 6 feet high, in hedges and thickets, with yellowish flowers,
and red fruit. May. Siceet Sumach.
* ** Leaves simple.
8. R. COTI'NA.
Leaves simple, obovate : panicle racemed, plumose. A small tree, G feet
high, from S. Kurope. It is reared in shrubberies, chiefly remarkable for
the very singular and ornamental appearance of its long, diffuse, feathery,
fruit stalks, showing in the distance, as if the plant were involved in a cloud
of smoke. Flowers small, in terminal, compound panicles. Leaves smooth,
entire, much rounded at the end. In Italy the plant is used for tanning.
Venetian Sumach. Smoke-plant.
ORDER XXXVi. AURANTIACEiE. The Orange Tribe.
Cal. — Sepals 3 — 5, united into a short, urceolale or campanulate cup.
Cor.— Petals 3—5.
Sta, — As many as the petals or .some multiple of their number, in a single row, hypogynous.
Oua.— Compounded of several united carpels. Style 1.
JV. — A berry (orange), many-celled, pulpy, covered with a thick rind.
^rfs.^^Atlaehed to the inner'angle of each carpel. Albumen 0.
The genera are nearly all natives of Tropical Asia, and are naturalized throughout all
Tropical regions, and cultivated iu all civilized countries for their beauty and fragrance,
both of flowers and fruit.
Properties. These fruits contain free Citric and Malic Acid, and their pulp is grateful to
the taste. The rind contains an aromatic volatile oil which is tonic and stomachic. The
rind of the Lime yields the Oilof Burgamot, and the flower of the Orange the Oilof Neroli.
CITRUS.
Calyx and petals as above. Anthers 20; (ilaments in sev-
eral sets; berrj 9 — iS-celled.
Gt. KiTgict, the Citron, the fruit of one of the species. An ancient and
noble trenus, combining in its species many e-xcellencies, beauty of form, with
shining, evergreen foliage, most odoriferous flowers, and fragrant and delicious
fruits. The golden apples of the Heathen, and the forbidden fruit of the
Jews, are supposed to refer to these plants. In a splendid work entitled " The
Natural History of the Oranges,'" written in French, by Risso of Nice, in 1818,
there are described 1G9 sorts, and 105 of them figured. They are arranged as
sweet oranges, of which are described A'i sorts ; bitter and sour oranges, 32
sorts ; bergamots, 5 sorts ; limes, 8 sorts ; shaddocks, 6 sorts ; lumes, 12 sorts ;
lemons, 4U sorts ; citrons, 17 sorts. The most successful methods of cultiva-
tion are by cuttings.
\. C. LiMO'NUM.
Petioles somewhat wincred ; leaves oblong, acute, dentate : flowers with 35
stamens ; friiiL oblong, with a thin rind and very acid pulp. A tree about 15
feet in hicht, which, when loaded with its golden fruit suspended among its
dark o-reen, siiining leaves, makes a most beautiful appearance. It is a native
of Tropical regions, and is easily cultivated in our climate, if protected during
winter. The petioles are articulated with the lamina. Lemon Tree.
2. C, Lime'ta.
Petioles naked; /eares ovate, rounded, senate ; flowers with 30 stamens;
fniit globose, with a sweet pulp, and a protuberance at top. This, like niost
MALVACKjE. 81 ABOTILON.
other spocies. is a native of Asia. Hight about 8 feet, with a crooked trunk,
diffuse branches, with prickles. Berry Ig inches in diameter, of a greenish
yellow, shining surface. Lime Tree.
3. C. Aura'ntium.
Petals winged ; leaves elliptical, acute, crenulate ; flowers with 20 stamens ;
fruit globose, with a thin skin and sweet pulp. A middle sized evergreen tree,
with a greenish brown bark. When filled with its large, round, golden fruit,
it is one of the most beautiful objects in nature. It is easily cultivated in the
green-house. Hweet- Orange Tree.
4. C. Me'dica.
Petioles naked ; leaves oblong, acute ; flowers with 40 stamens ; fruit oblong,
rugose, with an acid pulp. Commonly about 8 feet high. Fruit (J inches in
length, very fragrant. Citron Tree.
5. C. Decuma'na.
Petioles winged ; leaves obtuse, emarginate ; fruit very large, with thick
skin. A tree 15 feet in hight. The wings of the petioles as broad as the
leaves. Fruit grows to the diameter of 7 or 8 inches, weighs 14 pounds, and
is of a greenish yellow. Skadduck.
ORDER XXXVllI. MALVACEAE. • The Mallow Tribe.
Col. — Sepals generally 5, more or less united at their base, bearing an involucel. valvate
Cor. — Petals equal in number to sepals, hypog>'nous. [in ffislivalion.
.uy,r), soft, altered by the Latins to Malva, in allusion to the soft mu-
cilagenous properties of some of the species.
1. M. rotundifo'lia.
Stem prostrate ; leaves roundish, cordate, obtusely .'5-lobed ; frnit-stalks bent
downwards; corolla twice as long as the calyx. It is a well known plant,
common in cultivated grounds and waste places. Root fusiform ; stems nu-
merous, lying flat on the ground. The leaves are of a fine, delicate texture,
roundish, somewhat renlform, crenate, with 5 or 7 shallow lobes and on long,
hairy stalks. Peduncles axillary, aggregate. Petals pale pink, deeply notched.
fVuit ro^nd and flat, composed of the numerous capsules, arranged circularly.
MALVACEA. 83 HIBISCUS.
The child sportively calls them cheeses, a name which their form very natu-
rally suggests. Jn. — Oct. Per. Low Mallow.
2. M. silve'stris.
6Yfm erect; leaves^ — 7-lobed, sub-acute ; pedvncles ^ndpetiolcsheLiry. Na-
tive of England. A popular garden flower of the easiest culture, often spring-
ing up spontaneously. Hight 3 feet. Flowers reddish purple, with veins of
a darker hue. The whole plant, especially the root, abounds in mucilage.
Jn. — Oct. Per. High Mallow.
3. M. Mauritia NA.
Stem erect ; haves .5-lobed, blunt; pedicels and petioles smoothish, or downy
on the upper side. From S. Europe. A tall species, 4 — 6 feet high. Stem
smooth. Flowers purple, with deeper colored veins. Ann.
Ivij'lcaved Mallow.
4. M. Moscha'ta.
Stem erect; radical /fares reniform, cut ; cauline ones many- parted ; seg-
ments \mQa.T ; steins a.nd Old ijxes hairy. Native of Britain. i5tems2 feet high,
branched. Flowers large and handsome, rose-colored. The whole herb gives
out a musk-like odor in favorable weather. Jl. Musk Mallow.
4. HIBI'SCUS.
Calyx surrounded by a many-leaved involucel ; stignnas 5 ;
capsules 5-celled ; cells many-seeded.
One of the Greek names of the Mallow.
1. H. MoSCHEU'tOS. L. H. palustris.
S'fem herbaceous, sunple, erect ; leaves ovate, dentate, subtrilobate, hoary-
tomentose beneath; peduncles long, axillary, or connected with the petiole.
A tall, showy plant, found on the borders of salt marshes, salt springs, river
banks^ &c. 1 gathered a flowering specimen at Salina, N. Y., in August.
The stem is without a branch, round, downy, 4 feet high. Leaves 3 or 4
inches lonff, 2 or 3 broad, often with two small, lateral lobes, green above,
downy white beneath. Flowers larger than those of the Hollyhock, rose-col-
ored. Peduncles distinct from the petiole, although in some specimens it ia
found articulated to it, and geniculated above the middle. Outer calyx in
many segments > inner in .5. The bark yields a strong, hemp-like fibre, which
might make good cordage. Aug. Per. Marsh Hibiscus.
2. H. VlRGl'iMCUS.
Leaves acuminate, unequally dentate, lower ones cordate, undivided, upper
ones oblong-cordate, 3-lobed ; peduncles axillary and in terminal racemes;
flowers nodding; pistils dcclinate. The whole plant downy, rough, about 3
feet high. Found on Long Island and in the Middle States, as well as the
Southern, growing near the coasts. Flowers red. Aug. Per.
Virginian Hibiscus.
3. H. SPECIo'riUS.
Very smooth; /t'wres palmate, 5-parted ; /o6c5 lanceolate, acuminate, subser-
rate at the end ; capsules ovate, smooth. A splendid, showy plant, abundant
in moist soils in Carolina, is raised from see4s in our gardens, but hardly en-
dures the N. England climate. Root perennial, stem herbaceous, 5 — y feet
MALVACEJE. 84 LAVATERA.
high. Each branch terminates in about 3 large flowers, of a rich, shininT,
carmine red. Aug. — Oct. Scarlet MaUoio.
4. H. Syria'cus.
Leaves cuneiform, ovate, 3-lobed, dentate; ■pedicels scarcely longer than the
petiole; involucel about 8-leaved. A beautiful, haidy, free flowering shrub,
from Syria, 5 — 10 feet high. Flowers purple. There are varieties with white,
red and striped flowers, both single and double. Sijrian Malloic.
5. H. Phojni'ceus.
Leaves ovate, acuminate, serrate and crenate, lower cordate and tricuspi-
date; peduncles jointed; seeds woolly. From E. Indies. Flowers purple.
Jn. Per. Phanician Malloir.
6. H. escule'ntis.
Leaves cordate, 5-lobed, obtuse, dentate; petiole longer than the flower;
involucel about 5-leaved, caducous. From W Indies, where its pods are used
as food. They are pickled, or served up with butter, and being full of mu-
cilage, make a rich dish. Okro.
7. H. Trio'nu.m.
Le«re5 dentate, lower undivided, upper 3-parted; /oie.t lanceolate, middle
one very long; calyx inflated, membranaceous, nerved. From Italy. An
exceedingly beautiful flowerer, branching, 2 feet high. Flowers large, soon
withering but numerous. Petals of a rich, chlorine yellow, the base of a deep
brown. Ann. Flower of an Huur.
5 . M A' L O P E .
Calyx surrounded by a 3-leavcd involucel ; carpels irregu-
larly aggregated, l-?eeded.
A name given by the Greeks to the Tree Mallow.
1. M. grandiflo'rum.
Leaves nearly smooth, broad, ovate, obtusely o-lobed, crenate ; bracts lance-
olate ; flmccrs solitary, axillary. Stein very branching, red, procumbent, 1 — 2
feet long. Flower-stalks as long as the leaf, smooth. Calyx of 3 leaves, very
cordate at base, ciliate. Inner caly.Y of 5 deeply cleft, lanceolate segments.
Petals large, of a rich purple, veiny. A beautiful garden plant. Jl. — Oct.
■Ann. Large-fioiccring Malope.
6. LAVATE'RA.
Calyx surrounded by a three-cleft involucel ; carpels many,
1-seeded.
Named in honor of two Lavaters, physicians of Zurich.
1. L. areo'rea.
Leaves 7-anglod, downy, plicate; prdirels axillary, l-flowered, clustered,
much shorter than tiie petiole. A splendid plant for borders or slirubberies,
from Europe. It is biennial; hight about 6 feet. Flowers purple. Sept.
t>ct. jVcc Mullmc.
TILIACEjE.
85
2. L. Thuringia'ca.
Leaves somewhat downy ; lower, angled, upper, 3-lobed, the middle lobe
longest. From Germany. Hight 4 feet. Flowers light blue. Sept. Per.
Gay Mallow.
7. GOSSY'PIUM.
Calyx surrounded by an involucel of 3 cordate leaves; cap-
sule 3 — 5-celled ; seeds involved in wool.
A word said to be of Arabic origin, from goz, a silky substance.
1, G. HERBACEUM.
Leaves 5-lobed, mucronate, one gland beneath; involucre serrate; stem
smooth. This is the species commonly cultivated in the Southern States.
It is an herbaceous plant, about 5 feet high. The flowers, like those of all
the other species, are yellow. Leaves cut half-way down into 3 large, and 2
small, lateral, rounded, pointed lobes. Gland on the mid-rib at its back, halt
an inch from the base. Jl. Ann. Common CoUoii.
2. G. Barbade'nse. >
Upper leaves 3-lobed, lower, S-lobed with 3 glands beneath ; stem smoothish.
Native, and cultivated in the W. Indies. A larger plant than the foregoing.
Sown in Sept. and Oct. An acre yields an average product of 270 pounds
of this cotton. Bien. Barhadoes Cotton.
ORDER XXXIX. TILIACE/E. The Linden Tribe.
Cal. — Se.pals 4 — .5, deciduous, valvate in aistivation.
C'„r.— Petals 4—5, hypog-ynous ; glands 4 — 5, a1 tiu-ir base.
fita, — Indefinite, distinct, hypogr^^nous, Antlifrs \ersatite.
Oca.— Carpels 2— ]0, united. Style 1, compound. Stigma as many as carp«ls.
jTr. Capsular, 2— 5-cellcd, with numerous seeds. Cotyledons leafy.
A family of trees, willi a few shrubs, native in all regions, but especially within tlie
Properties. These plants abound in a wholesome, mucilaginous juice. The inner bark
is remarkable for touglmess, and is useful for various purposes, as fishing lines, nets, rice-
Jjags, &c.
TI'LIA.
Calyx of 5 united sepals, deciduous; petals 5; capsules
superior, globose, 5-celled, 5-seeded, opening at the base.
Lat. tllia, the Lfnden-lree, Lime-tree, Bitss-wood. Cal. inferior, colored.
Cor. of 5 oblong, obtuse petals, crenate at the summit, as large as the caly.x.
Fil. numerous, large as the cor. Anth. 2-lobed. Ova. superior. Seeds soli-
tary, roundish.
T. America'na.
Leaves cordate, abruptly acuminate, finely serrate, coriaceous, smooth ;
petals truncate at the top ; fruit ovate. This is a common forest tree in the
Nortliern and Middle Slates. It frequently grows to the hight of 80 feet,
with a straight and even trunk, more than half this length, and 2 or 3 feet
diameter. The leaves are large, nearly round, heart-shaped at the base. The
H
VITACEJE, 86 VITIS.
leaves of the shoots which arise from the stump and roots, are remarkable for
their large size. The flowers are distinguished for their peculiar inflort'scence.
They are in little clusters on a foot-stalk, proceeding obliquely from the cen-
tre of a long, narrow, floral leaf. Color green and yellow. The inner bark
is very strong, and manufactured into ropes. The wood is white, soft and
clear, much used in cabinet-work, and the panneling of carriages. Jl.
Buss-wood. Lyme- Tree.
ORDER XLII. VITACE^. The vine Tribe.
Cal. — Minute, nearly entire or 5-toothed. [often cohering above, and caducous.
Cor.— Petals 4 — 5, inserted on the outside of the disk, valvule and inflexed in aestivation,
Sta. — 4 — 5, oiiposite the petals, inserted upon the disk.
Ova. — Superior, d-celled. Style 1, very short. Fruit a berry, globose, pulpy. Seeds bony.
Shrubs climbing by tendrils. Lower leaves opposite, upper ones alternate. Flowers
raeemed. Native of the warmer parts of both hemispheres. The Grape fruit is the only
important production of this order. The acid of the grape is tartaric. It contains a sugar,
which dilfers from the common sugar in containing a smaller quantity of carbon.
Genera.
Torus elevated into a ring surrounding the ovary. Leaves cordate, &c., Vitis. 1
Torus without a ring. Leaves digitately 5-foUate, Ampelopsis. 2
1. VITIS.
Petals deciduous, cohering at the top, or distinct and spread-
ing; ovary partly enclosed within the torus, 2-celled; cells
2-ovuled ; stigma sessile, capitate; berry 1-celled, 1 — 4-
seeded.
Celtic gwyd, a tree or shrub,
1. V. Labru'sca.
Leaves broad cordate, angular lobed, tomentose beneath. This vine is na-
tive through the U. S., growing in woods and groves. Like most of the N.
American species, the flowers are dicecicms. Stem woody, rough-barked,
ascending trees often to a great bight, and hanging like cables suspended from
the branches. Leaves very large, somewhat 3-lobed, at first white-downy
beneath. Flowers small, green, in panicles with a leaf opposite. Fruit large,
purple, often green or red. It is valued in cultivation for its deep shade in
summer arbors, and its fruit which is pleasatit in taste. The Isabella, and
other sorts known in gardens, are varieties of this species.
2. V. CORDIFO'LIA. Mx. V, vulpina. L.
Leaves cordate, acuminate, somewhat equally toothed, smooth on both sides ;
racemes loose, many-flowered; berries small. Grows in thickets, by rivers,
&c., ascending shrubs and trees to the higlit of JO — 20 feet. Leaves large,
membranous, often 3-lobed, witii pubescent veins when young, and with a
few mucronate teeth. Berries nearly black, rather small, late, acid, but well
flavored after frosts of November. Jn. Frost Graj)e. Winlcr Grape.
3. V. ^stiva'lis.
Leaves broadly cordate, 3 — 5-lobed or palmate-sinnate, coarsely dentate,
with scattered ferruginous iiairs beneath; fertile racemes long, j)Enicled ; //er-
rtes small. Grows in woods, by rivers, &c. Stein very long, slender, climb-
ing, with very large leaves, whicli are sometimes witii deep, rounded sinuses,
ACEBACE.E. 87 ACER.
clothed beneath when young, with arachnoid, rust-colored pubescence. Ten-
drils from the peduncles, which are dense flowered, and with a leai opposite.
Petals cohering at summit. Berries deep blue, well flavored, but small, ripe
in September. Flowers in June. Summer Grape.
4. V. vini'fer.\.
Lenves cordate, 5-lobed, sinuate, naked. Naturalized in almost all temper-
ate climates, but supposed not to be indigenous in this country. INo plant in
the vegetable kingdom possesses more interestinp; attributes, is cultivated with
greater care, or, let me add, has been worse perverted or abused by mankind,
than the common vine. By cultivation it sports into endless varieties, differ-
ing in the form, color, size, and flavor of the fruit, and in respect to the
hardiness of its constitution. In N. England its cultivation is chiefly confined
to the garden, and is a dessert fruit; but there are extensive vineyards in the
Middle and Western States, for the production of wine. The vine is propa-
gated by cuttings. Varieties without end may be raised from the seed, wliich
will bear fruit the fourth or fifth year. A vineyard, it is said, will continue
to produce fruit for 200 years. C'Gmmun Wiiia Grape.
2. AMPELO'PSIS.
Calyx entire; petals 5, distinct, spreading; ovary 2-celled,
cells Sovuled; style very short; berry 2-celled, cells 1 — 2-
seeded.
Gr. afA,7riXoi, a vine, "4^15, appearance ; the genus resembles the vine in
habits, leaves, and flowers. Woody vines, with digitate leaves.
A. quinquefo'lia.
Leaves quinate, digitate ; leaflets oblong, acuminate, petiolate, dentate,
smooth. A vigorous climber, found wild in the woods and thickets. It has
lono- been cultivated as a covering for walls, aud is best known by the name
of Woodbine. By means of its radicating tendrils, it supports itself firmly
upon trees, ascending to the bight of 50 feet. In the same manner it ascends
and overspreads walls and buildings. The large quinate leaves constitute a
luxuriant foliage of dark, glossy green. Flowers inconspicuous, greenish, in
dichotoraous clusters. Berries dark blue, smaller than peas, acid. Jl.
Virg'uuaii Creeper. Woodbine.
ORDER XLIIl. ACERACE/E. The Maple Tribe.
Cai. Sepals 5, rarely 4 — 9, more or less united, colored, imbricate in sestivalion.
Cor.— Petals 5, rarely 4— 9, hyposj^'nous ; sometimes 0.
&'(a.^yposynuu3, 3 — 12, usually 3. Anth. introrse or versatile.
OBa.— 2-lobed, componnded ot"2 united carpels.
JF>. — A double samara, with opposite wings, thickened at the lower edges.
An order of trees and shrubs, with opposite leaves without stipules. Flowers often di-
oscious or polygamous. Thesapof several species of the Maple yields sugar by evaporation.
Genera.
Flowers mostly polygamous. Leaves simple, Acer. 1
Flowers dioscious. Leaves compound, pinnate, ISegundo. 2
1. ACER.
Flowers mostly polygamous; calyx 5 cleft; corolla 5 pe-
taled orO; stamens 8; styles 2; samarse 2, winged, united
at base, byabortion 1-seeded. — Leaves simple.
ACERACEJE. 88 ACER.
Lat. acer, sharp, vigorous. The wood of the Maple, was anciently manu-
factured into the heads of pikes and other sharp weapons.
* Trees. Flowers corymbose, &c.
1. A. RUB RUM.
Leaves palmate, 5-lobed, cordate at base, unequally and incisely tootlied, the
sinuses acute, jrlaucous beneatJi ; foicers aggregate, about 5 togellier, on rather
loner pedicels; oxaries smooih. The red luaple is a common tenant of low
M'oods and swamps tliroughout the Atlantic states. It is a tree somewhat
above tlie middle size. The trunk is covered with a smooth bark, marked with
large, white spots, becoming dark with age. In spring, the appearance of the
tree is remarkable for the deep crimson flowers, with which it is thickly clothed.
Each bud gives birth to a fascicle of about 5 flowers. Stamens much cxscrt-
ed. The fertile flowers are succeeded by a red fruit, furnished with a pair
of winfs resemblinff those of some insect. The wood is hard and compact,
and is much used in cabinet-work, particularly that well known and hand-
some variety called curled maple. Red Maple. Swamp Muplc.
2. A. dasyca'rpum.
Leaves palmate, 5-lobed, truncated at base, unequally and incisely toothed,
with obtuse sinuses, white and smooth beneath ; //ojiw.'rs in crowded, simple
umbels, v.'ith short pedicels and downj' vvarics. This species much resembles
the last, but its leaves are larger, and the winged fruit is also larger than that
of the red maple or of any of the following species. It is a tall tree 50 feet in
hight, not uncommon in the N. England forests. The flowers are of a yellow-
ish green color, as also the fruit. The wood is white, softer and less esteemed
than that of other species. The sap yields sugar in smaller proportion than
the sugar maple. While Maple.
3. A. sacchari'num.
Leaves palmate, 5-lobed, subcordate at base, acuminate, remotely toothed,
with rounded and shallow sinuses, glaucous beneath ; jloicers pedunculate,
corymbose, nodding. This fine tree is most abundant in the primitive soils of
N. England, constituting the greater part of some of its forests. It is a tree
of lofly proportions, 70 teet in hight, with a trunk 3 feet in diameter. The
bark is of a light gray color, rough and scaly. The branciies become nume-
rous and finely ramified in open situations, and in summer aie clothed with a
foliage of uncommon luxuriance and beauty, on which account it is more ex-
tensively cultivated as a sliade tree than any other, not even excepting the
majestic and favorite elm. Maple sugar, perhaps the most delicious of all
sweets, is almost wholly the product of this species. An ordinary tree will
3''ield 20 — 30 gallons of sap in a season, some, twice or three times as much.
It is obtained by inserting spouts in holes bored in the trunk. When collect-
ed, it is concentrated by evaporation until it crystallizes or grains, yielding
sugar in the proportion of about a pound to four gallons. The wood of the
rock maple is very strong and compact, and makes the best of fuel. It is
sometimes curled like the red maple, but oftener presents that beautiful ar-
rangement of fibre, called bird's cycmaple, which is highly esteemed in cabinet-
work. Apr. Sugar Maple. Rock Maple.
* * Shrul)s. Flowers in racemes.
4. A. PeNNSYLVA'NICUM. L. A. Striatum. Lam.
Leaves with 3 acuminate lobes, rounded at base, sharply denticulate, smooth ;
racemes simple, pendulous. A small tree or shrub, 10 — 15 feet high. Found
HIPPOCASTANACE^. 89
in our northern woods. The bark is smooth, and beautifully striped length-
wise with green and black. Flowers large, yellowish green, succeeded by
long clusters of fruit, with pale-gieeu wings. The smaller brandies are straight
and smootli, easily separated from the bark in spring, and are often manufac-
tured by the boys into certain wind instruments. Hence it is called whistle-
wood. In Europe it is highly prized in ornamental gardening. May.
Striped Maple. Whistle- wood.
5. A. SPICA'tUM. Lam. A. montanum. Jlit.
Leaves ahout 5-lobed, acute, dentate, pubescent beneath; racemes erect,
compound. A shrub of smaller stature than tlie last, found in mountain or
hilly woods throughout the country. The bark is a light gray. Leaves small,
rough, divided into 3 or 5 lobes, which are somewhat pointed with large, sharj)
teeth, and more or less cordate at base. Flowers greenish, numerous and
minute, in cylindric, oblong, close, branched clusters, becoming pendulous
with the winged fruit. Jn. Mountain Maple Bush.
2. NEGU'NDO.
Flowers dioecious; Corolla 0; fertile flowers racemed;
staminate flowers fascicled ; leaves compound, of 3 — 5 leaflets.
A fine, ornamental tree, distinguished from the genus Acer chiefly by its
pumate leaves. Calyx, stamens, styles and fruit as in the last genus.
N. ACEROI'dES. Mwuck. Acer Negundo, L.
Leaves ternate and 5-pinnate; Icnjlets ovate, acuminate, remotely and une-
qually dentate; fertile flowers in long, pendulous racemes; barren flowers
corymbose ; fruit oblong, with large wings dilated upwards. A handsome
tree, 20 — ?>0 feet in hight, with irregular, spreading branches, growing in
woods. The trunk is a foot or more in diameter, and when young, covered
with a smooth, yellowish-green bark. Leaflets serrated above the middle,
petiolale. the terminal one largest, all slightly pubescent. Wings of the sama-
ra approximate, broadest towards the end. Apr. Ash-leaved Maple. Box-Elder.
ORDER XLIV. HIPPOCASTANACE^. Horse- chestnut Tribe.
Ca/.— Campanulate, of .5 united sepals.
Cor.— Petals o (one of them sometimes abortive), unequal, liypog}'nous.
Sta. — 6 — 8, distinct, unequal, inserted upon a disli with the petals.
Oi-a.— Roundish, ^-cornered, 3-celled, crowned with a single, filiform, conical style.
Pr.— Roundish, coriaceous, with 1— 3'larjje, roundish, smooth seeds.
Native of N. America and Northern India. The species are generally ornamental trees,
with astringent properties residing in the bark. The seeds contain much starch, and are
nutritive, but bitter.
Only the following genus is found iii the Northern States, and even this is not indigenous.
^'SCULUS.
Calyx campanulate or tubular, 5-lobed ; corolla irregular,
4 — 5-petaled; stamens, ovary and fruit as expressed in the
order. «
M. HiPPOCA'STANUM.
Leaves digitate in 7s; petals 5, spreading; capsule prickly. A noble tree,
justly admired for its majestic proportions, and for the beauty of its foliage
celastrace-?:. 90 celastru?.
and flowers. It is a native of the north of Asia, but is now known throughout
Europe and in tliis country, and is a frequent ornament of courts and avenues.
It is of rapid growth, and attains the hight of 40 or 50 feet. In June it puts
forth numerous pyramidal racemes or tliyrses of flowers, of pinlv and while,
finely contrasting- with the dark green of its mnssy foliage. The leaves are
digitate, with seven obovate, acute, serrate leaflets. Th'e fruit is large, ma-
hogany-colored, and eaten only by deer. Horse- C/iestnut.
ORDER XLVI. CELASTRACE^. The staff-mc Tribe.
Ca/.— Sepals 4 — 5, united at l>ase, imbricated. [paneled disk whicli surrounds the ovar\-.
Co;-.— Petals as many as sepals, inserted by a broad base under tlie margin of the flat, ex-
6'to.— As many as the petals and alternate with them, inserted on the margin of the disk.
Ova. — Superior, immersed in, and adliering to the disk.
Fr. — A capsule or berrj'. Seeds either with or without an arillus.
Chiefly native of the Temperate Zone of both hemispheres. The species of N. America
are chiefly slirulis. the leaves opposite or alternate. They possess acrid and bitter proper-
ties, sometimes emetic and stinuilant.
Genera.
i compound (ternate), .... Stnphylm. 1
( opposite, ( simple, Euuiiijmus. ;f
Shrubs with leaves ( alternate, simple, Celustnii. 2
Tkibe ], STAPHYLE.E.
Leaves pinnate, opposite. Seeds not arilled. Cotyledons thick.
1. STAPHYLE'A.
Flowers perfect ; calyx of 5, colored, persistent sepals ; pe-
tals and stamens 5; styles 3; capsules 2 — 3, membranous
and inflated.
A Greek word, meaning a buncli; from the form of tlie fructification. Shrubs,
Leaflets involute in vernation. Flowers white.
S. trifo'lia.
Leaves ternate; racemes pendulous; petals ciliafe below ; /'?•^^^i ovate. A
handsome shrub, 6 — 8 feet high, in moist woods and thickets. Leaflets oval-
acuminate, serrate, pale beneath, with scattered hairs. Flowers white, in a
short, drooping raceme. The most remarkable feature of the plant is its large,
inflated capsules, which are 3-sided, 3-parted at top, 3-celled, containing sev-
eral hard, small nuts or seeds, with a bony, smooth and polished testa. May.
BLudder-nut,
Tribe 2, EUONYMEiE.
Leaves simple. Seeds usually arilled. Cotyledons leafy.
2. CELA'STRUS.
Flowers sometimes polygamous; calyx flat, of 5 united se-
pals ; corolla spreading, of 5 sessile petals ; capsule subglobose,
or 3-angled, 3-celled ; seeds with an arillus, 1 — 2 in each cell.
A Greek name, given to a certain evergreen tree, of which pails and other
vessels were made. Climbing shrubs, with alternate leaves and minute decid-
uous stipules.
RHAMNACE^. 91 RHAMNUS.
C. sca'ndens.
Unarmed ; stem woody, twining ; haves oblong, acuminate, serrate ; racemes
terminal. Flowers dioecious. A climbing shrub in woods and thickets, the
stems twining about other trees or each other, ascending to a great hight.
Leaves alternate, stipulate, petiolate, smooth. Flowers in small racemes,
greenish white. Seeds covered with a scarlet aril, and contained in a 3-valved
capsule, continuing upon the stem through the winter. Jn. Stuff-tree.
3. EUO'NYMUS.
Calyx flat, of 5, (sometimes 4 or 6) united sepals; corolla
flat, inserted on the outer margin of a glaudular disk; stamens
5, with short filaments; capsule colored, 5-angled, 5-celled,
5-valved; seeds ariled.
Euonymus, was the name of a certain deity in Grecian mythology, but its
application to this plant is unexplained.
E. atropurpu'rea.
Peduncles compressed, many-flowered; s;(o-7?ias square, truncated; leaves
oblong, lanceolate, acuminate, serrate, pubescent beneatli. A shrub, 5 feet
high; with opposite branches and deciduous leaves. Flowers purple, in axil-
lary clusters. Corolla and other parts of the flower, usually in 4s. Capsules
crimson, smooth. Seeds covered with a briglit red aril. Jn.
Spindle-tree. Burning Bush.
E. America'na.
Peduncles round, 3-flowered ; leaves oval or oblong-lanceolate, sessile, acute,
serrate, smooth ; branches 4-angle(i ; corolla and other parts of the flower
mostly in 5s. A handsome siirub, of smaller size than the preceding, with
opposite, square, slender, green branches and smooth evergreen foliage.
Leaves thick and leathery, varying from ovate-lanceolate through oval to ob-
lanceolate. Flowers pink and yellow, 1 — 3 together, axillary. Capsules
dark red, warty. Seeds with a bright red aril. Burning Bush.
ORDER XLVII. RHAMNACEiE. The Buck-Tlwrn Tribe.
Col. — Sepals 4 or 5, united at base, valvate in estivation. [sometimes I).
Cr.^Petals 4 or 5, distinct, cucullate or convolute, inserted into the orifice ol" the calyx,
Sta. — Opposite the petals, 4 or 5.
Ova — Superior, or hall'superior, with an erect ovule in each cell.
Fr. — A capsule, drupe or berr)'.
Trees or shrubs, often armed with spines. Leaves generally alternate and simple. This
family of plants is distributed throughout all countries, except those in the Frigid Zones.
Many are native of the U. States. Ceanothus is peculiar to North America.
Properties. The berries of many species of Rhamnus are violent purgatives. The Ziz-
yplius Jujuba, yields the weW )ino\vn jujube paste of the shops. The leaves of Ceanothus
have been used as a substitute for tea.
Genera.
Calyx free from the ovary ; petals plane ; flowers minute, . . . Rhmnmts. 1
Calyx adherent to the ovary at base ; petals unguiculale, .... Ceanothus. 2
1. RHAMNUS.
Calyx urceolate, 4 — 5-cleft; petals 4 — 5, emarginate, in-
serted upon the calyx; ovary free, 2 — 4-celled; styles 2 — 4,
more or less united ; fruit drupaceous, 3 — 4-seeded.
92
CEANOTHUS.
The Greek name for a thorn bush. Small trees or shrubs, with alternate Ivs.
1. R. catiia'rticus.
Flmorrs totrandrous ; slinih erect, with thorny IraJiches ; leaves ovate, doub-
ly serrate ; flowers polygamous and dioecious, fascicled ; fruit sub-globose,
4-seeded. A shrub, 10 — 15 feet high, in mountains and woods. Leaves near-
ly smooth, in crowded clusters at the ends of the hranchlets. Flowers small,
numerous, green. Sepals reflexed ; petals entire. Fruit black, globose, and
with the inner bark, powerfully catliartic. This shrub is sometimes used for
hedges. Buck Thorn.
2. R. ALNIFO'LIUS. Viler. R. franguloides. Mx.
Flowers mostly pentandrous ; shrub erect, with unarmed branches ; leaves
oval, acuminate, serrate, pubescent on the veins beneath ; peduncles aggre-
gate, 1-tlowered ; ca/j/z acute; styles thren, united, very short ; //-m/^ turbin-
ate, black. A shrub common in rough hills and pastures. Berries about the
eize of a currant, 3-seeded. May. Jn. Mdcr-lcavcd Buclakorn.
CEANO'THUS.
Calyx tubular, 5 cleft; corolla of 5, saccate-arched petals;
berry dry, 3-celled, 3~sceded.
A Greek name applied to some prickly plant. Petals with long claws,
standing in the turbinate calyx. Caps, tricoccous, 3-parled, opening on the
inner side. Shrubby and thornless.
1. C. Americ'ana.
Leaves oblong-ovate, serrate, 3-nerved ; •panicles axillary, elongated. A
small shrub, with a profusion of white blos.soms, found in woods and groves.
Stems 2 — 4 feet high, slender, with reddish, round, smooth branches. Leaves
alternate, thrice as long as broad, very downy with soft hairs beneath. Flow-
ers minute, white, in crowded panicles from the axils of the upper leaves.
Stamens enclosed in the curiously vaulted corolla. The root, which is large
and red, is sometimes used for coloring. The leaves have been used as a sub-
stitute for tea. Flowers in June. Jersey Tea.
2. C. ova'lis.
Leaves oval-lanceolate, with glandular serratures, 3-nerved, nerves pube-
scent beneath ; thyrse corymbose, abbreviated. Found on the shores of Lake
Champlain. Flowers white, larger than those of the last, and in short or
hemispherical panicles. May. Smooth-leaved Ccanothus.
ORDER XLVIIl. ROSACE J^. The Rose Tribe.
Cal. — Sepiils 5, raroly fewer, united, often reinlorced by as many bracts. [calyx.
Cm. — Petals .5, re!,'ular, rarely wanting, in.sertcil on the disk which lines the orifice of the
Sta. — Indefinite, usually numerous, arising from the caly.x, distinct. [each other.
Ot'ct. — Superior, 1 or several, distinct, 1-celled; often coherent to the sides of the calyx and
Styles — distinct or united. Fruit a drupe, pome, achenia or follicle.
A large family, composed of trees, shrubs smd herbs. Fjcaves alternate, often accompa-
nied with conspicuous stipules. Flowers regular, often huge and beautiful. The genera
of this order are chiefly natives of temperate climates north of the equator.
Prapfrties. A highly imiiortiint order, whether we regard its delicious fruit, its medicinal
products, or the beauty of its flowers. None of its species (excepting those of the Almond
tribe) are unwholesome. An astringent principle characterizes the family, residing chiefly
ill the bark and the roots. The roots of tiie Blackberry, have been used in medicine as an
ROSACEA. 93 CERASUS.
aetiolate. Flowers white. Fruit dusky purple. Bristly Blackberry.
p. semperv'rens ; stem trailing, several feet in length, sending up many
branches, which are some 8 inches long, and with scattered prickles like the
stem. Leaves alternate, obovate, and, like the above, persistent, but becom-
ing somewhat discolored before spring. Berries small, black, acid. Jl.
3. R. CaNADE'NSIS. L. R. trivialis. P,
Stems procumbent ; leaves ternate or quinate, oval, acute, unequally serrate ;
perfice/y solitary, elongated; jicdiinrlesnnd petioles rough with recurved prick-
les. Common in dry, stony fields. Stem slender, weak, prostrate, running
several yards upon the ground. Flowers large, mostly solitary, on long, slen-
der stalks. Petals white, obovate. Fruit large, black, agreeable. May.
June, Trailing Blackberry. Dew-berry.
4. R. cuneifo'lius.
Stem erect, subangular ; branches, petioles and peduncles pubescent ; leafiets
cuneate-obovate, in 3s or 5s, entire at base, toothed above, subplicate, downy
beneath ; racemes loose. Dry fields and thickets. A low shrub, bearing
fruit of an agreeable flavor, ovate, black. Jn, Wedge-leaned Blackberry.
* * Raspherries.
Fruit concave beneath, separating from the dry, conical, persistent receptacle.
5. R. odora'tus.
Leaves simple, palmate, with 3 — 5 lobes; stem unarmed, many-leaved,
many-flowered, covered with a viscid pubescence. A fine flowering shrub,
3 — 5 feet high, common in upland woods in JN. H., Vt , &c. It is cultivated
in gardens, both in this country and Europe, much admired for its numerous.,
large, crimson flov/ers, and its ample foliage. Leaves very large, serrate,
roughish, mostly in 5 lobes, with hairy stalks. Flowers large, purple, not
much unlike a rose, save its stamens are white. J'ruit broad, thin, yellowish,
and agreeable to the taste. A variety has red fruit. This plant is sometimes-
called Mulberry. Jn. JL Flowering llasjiberrij.
6. R. STRIGO'SUS.
L^narmed, strongly hispid; Icnjlets 3 or .'>, oval, obtuse at base, marked with
lines and wliitish downy beneath, the odd one often subcordate. A common,
erect shrub, in hedges, neglected fields, «5s:.c. bearing a very delicate fruit.
Stem without prickles, but covered with bristles instead. Leaves ternate or
5-pinnate, only the terminal one stalked, Fruit a compound berry, red, of a
peculiar, rich flavor, ripe in July. Flowers white, in terminal clusters.
May. Wild Red Raspbcrrif.
ROSACEA. 103 POTENTILLA.
7. R. occidenta'lis.
Branches and petides g]a.ucovis and prickly; leaves ternate; leajlets ovate ,
acuminate, sublobate, doubly serrate, downy beneatli ; petioles terete. A tall,
prickly shrub, 5 feet hio-h, common in rocky fields, thickets, &c. Stem round,
slender, inclining, conspicuous for its fine glaucous dust Leaflets oval, cov-
ered beneath with a whitish down, only the terminal one stalked. Fruit a
black, round, compound berry, of a lively, agreeable taste, ripe in July. Flow-
ers white, in terminal racemes. May. Black Raspberry. Thimble-hcrry .
8. R. TRIFLO'RUS. Rich. R. saxatias. Bic.
Herbaceous, pubescent; stems creeping; leaves ternate; leaflets rhombic,
acute, cut-dentate, naked, the odd one stalked ; flou^crs somewhat in Ss, with
elongated pedicels. Mountains. Root perennial, but the stems are annual
and somewhat herbaceous. Fruit small, black. Flowers white. Jn.
Three-floiccred Raspberry,
9. R. Chamjemo'rus.
Herbaceous; stem decumbent at base, erect, unarmed, 1 -flowered; leaves
pimple, cordate-reniform, rugose, with 5 rounded lobes, serrate ; sepals obtuse.
An Alpine species of small size, but with large flowers and fruit. Petals
white, obovate. Berries red, richly flavored. Flowers in June, July, ripen-
ing the fruit in September. Cloud-berry.
10. R. Id.e'us.
Leaves 5-pinnate and ternate ; leaflets rhomb-ovate, downy beneath ; jielioles
channelled ; stem prickly-hispid ; ^o?ffer5 somewhat panicled. Native of stony
woods and thickets, and successtully cultivated in our gardens. An erect,
shrubby plant, about 5 feet high. Stem usually covered with bristly thorns,
but sometimes quite smooth. Leaflets nearly smooth above, covered with a
dense, cotton-like down beneath. Flowers in lax, terminal clusters, white.
Fruit dark red, compound berries, highly and richly flavored. In the variety
£mtricanus, the leaves are all ternate. Garden Raspberry.
' 1 9. POTENTI'LLA.
Calyx concave, deeply 4 — 5-cieft, with an equal number
of alternate, exterior segments; petals 4 — 5, obcordate ; sta-
mens numerous; filaments slender; ovaries collected into a
head on the small, juiceless receptacle.
Lat. potentia, power ; in allusion to its supposed potency in medicine. Seeds
naked, rugose, attached to a small, dry receptacle. Herbs, with pinnately
or palmately compound leaves. Flowers solitary or in cymes, yellow or
white.
* Leaves trifoliate.
1. p. Norve'gica.
Leaves 3-foliate; stem dichotomous above, erect; peduncles axillary. A
hairy plant found in old fields. Stem about 8 inches high, round, forked at
top Leaflets stalked, oval, cut-serrate. Stipules large, ovate. Flowers nu-
merous, crowded, axillary and terminal. Petals obovate, shorter than calyx,
yellow, July. Per. Norway Cinquefoil.
104 POTENTILLA.
2. p. tride'ntata.
Leaves evergreen ; leaflets cuneate, 3-toothed at the end ; flowers terminal,
corymbose; petalslonger than the calyx. On the White Mountains, &c.
The root and lower part of the stem woody. Stems erect, round, panicled,
hairy, 4 — 8 inches high. Leallets sessile, leathery, oblong, ending in :j large
teeth. Flowers few, in a sort of corymb. Petals obovate, white. June.
Per. Mountain PutenL'dla.
* " Leaves digitate.
3. P. Canade'nsis.
Villose-pubescent; sterns sarmentose, procumbent, and ascending; leaves
palmately 5-foliate, the leaflets obovate, silky beneath, cut-dentate towards
the apex, entire and alternate towards the base ; stipules hairv, deeply 2 or 3-
cleft, or entire ; pedicels axillary, solitary ; bracteoles of the calyx longer than
the segments, and nearly as long as the petals. Common in fields and thick-
ets. Stems more or less procumbent at base, from a few inches to a foot or
more in length. Flowers yellow, on long pedicels. Calyx segments lanceo-
late or linear. Apr. May. Common CinquefoiJ .
». sarmcntosa. Very small and delicate. Stems procumbent, running a
foot or more. Flowers small, low among the grass, on slender peduncles.
Running Cinquefoil.
fi. simplex. Stem simple, erect or ascending at base. Plant nearly smooth.
Leaflets oblong-oval, coarsely serrate.
4. P. arge'ntea.
Leaves quinale; leaflets cuneate, cut, revolute on the margin, white and
downy beneath ; ^?em ascending. A small species frequent in fields, remarka-
ble for the silvery canescence on the under side of the leaves. Stem half a
foot high, white and cottony, half-erect, spreading. Flowers numerous, in cor-
ymbose, terminal panicles, small, yellow, in. — Sept. Per. Silvery Cinquefoil .
5. P. FRUXrCo'SA. P. floribunda.
S/em fruticose, hairy, erect, branching; leaves innnnte; leaflets ohlong-\in-
ear, revolute, entire ; petals longer than the calyx. A shrubby plant. 1 — 2
feet higli, found in bogs and low grounds. Stem very branching. Leaves
alternate, on slender stalks, and consisting of 5 — 7, oblong, very entire leaflets.
Flowers yellow, in crowded, terminal corymbs. Jn. Per. Bushy Cinquefoil.
6. P. anseri'na.
Leaves interruptedly pinnate, serrate, silky; stem slender, creeping and
rooting ; peduncles axillary, solitary, 1-flowered. A handsome, creeping plant,
with much silvery foliage and large golden flowers, in wet meadows. Stems
long, hairy, reddish. Leaves composed of 7 — 19 pairs of leaflets, the alternate
ones smaller, covered beneath with white, silvery hairs. Flowers 3-ellow, on
long stalks. Jn. Per. Silver-weed. Goose-grass.
7. P. ARGU'tA. p. Bootia sylvestris. B.
Stem erect ; radical leaves pinnate, on long petioles, hairy and pubescent ;
cutdine ones few ; leaflets hToa.d\y-ova.te, cui-seTTaie ; floiccrs in small, termi-
nal, nearly sessile cymes. Along streams, «?kc. Stems 2 — 3 feet liigh, large,
round, striate, and witii the rest of the plant very pubescent. The upper
leaves are simple and 3-foliate ; lower ones 5 — 9-foliate Peduncles dichoto-
mous, with dense clusters of white flowers. Disk glandular, 5-lobed, stellate.
May. June, raise ./}cc7is.
105 DALIBAROA.
10. COMA'RUM.
Calyx flat, deeply 5-cleft, with bracteoles alternating with
the segments; petals 5, very small; stamens numerous, in-
serted into the disU; achenia smooth, crowded upon the en-
larged, ovate, spongy, persistent receptacle.
Gr. ico^a-Qoi, the strawberry tree, which this plant resembles.— A perennial
herb, creeping at base.
C. palus'tre.
Leaves pinnate, of 3, 5 and 7 leaflets; sli-pnUs sheathing, adhering to the
petiole : fioirers somewhat panicled, every part permanent. A plant in some
respects similar to the strawberry, about 1^ feet high, growing in bogs and
ponds. Root creeping. Stem round, smooth, leafy, decumbent at base.
Leaves on long stalks" lenflels on short ones, oblong, senate, hoary beneath.
Flower dark purple in all its parts. Fruit permanent. Jn.
Marsh Cinqnefoil.
11. FRAGA'RIA.
Calyx 10-cleft, 5 alternate segments or bracteoles external;
achenia smooth, naked, affixed to a large, pulpy, deciduous
receptacle. Stamens numerous.
hd.t. frnarnns, fragrant ; on account of its perfumed fruit.— Perennial herbs.
Stems stoloniferous.
1. F. ViRGINIA'NA. Eh. F. Canadensis. Mx.
Leaves trifoliate ; leaflets broad-oval, smoothish above ; calyx of the ^uit
erect, spreading; achenia imbedded in pits in the globose receptacle. The
fruit of the strawberry is universally grateful and salutary either alone, or with
cream, sugar, or preserved. In sunny situations, the fruit is inferior to none
in sweetness, but when grown in the" shade it degenerates, becoming msipid
and even sour. May. Ripe in Jn.— Aug. Common loild Strawberry.
2. F. VESCA.
Leaves trifoliate ; calyx of the fruit reflexed or much spreading; receptacle
conical in fruit, without pits ; pcduiicUs longer than leaf-stalks. Native of our
woods and meadows, and well known in our gardens, where the fruit is some-
times an ounce or more in wciffht. Flowers white, appearing in early spring.
Garden Strawberry. English Strawberry.
3. F. GRANDIFLO'RA.
Calyx of fruit erect ; pubescence of petioles and peduncles erect ; leaves cori-
aceous, smoothish above. From Surinam, S. A. Flowers large, in early
spring. Fruit very large, globose. In cultivation, the strawberry requires
an open situation, and°a rich, loamy soil; and the lu.xuriance of its foliage
and flowers requires also copious supplies of water. Pine-apple Strawberry.
12. DALIBA'RDA.
Calyx inferior, deeply 5 — 6-parted, spreading, 3 of the seg-
ments larger; petals 5; stamens numerous ; styles 5 — S, long,
deciduous; fruit achenia, dry or somewhat drupaceous.
Named for Dalibaid, a French botanist. — Small, perennial herbs.
EOSACEiC. 106 GEUM.
D. REPENS. D. violajoides. M.
Pubescent, bearing creeping shoots; lenves simple, roundish-cordate, cre-
nate; pcdtiiicles 1-flowered. A little, creeping, diffuse plant, found in woods
and mountains. Leaves obtuse, on fnig, slender petioles. Peduncles as
long, bearing a single white flower. Jn. False Violet.
13. WALDSTEl'iNIA.
Caljx o-cleft, widi 5 alternate bracteoles; petals 5, decid-
uous; stamens numerous, inserted into the caljx; stales 2--
5; achenia (ew, dry, on a dry receptacle.
Named by Wildenow, in honor of Franz de Waldstein, a distinguished Ger-
man botanist. Acaulescent perennial herbs, with radical, lobed or divided
leaves and yellow flowers.
W. fragarioi'des.
Leaves trifoliate, on long, radical petioles ; leaflets cuneate, incisely crenate-
dentate, ciliate; scapes bracted, many-flowered; tube of caly.x obconic. A
liandsome plant, found in hilly woods, N. H., bearing some resemblance to
tiie strawberry', a few inclies to half a foot high. Leaflets roundish, cut into
lobes and teeth, sessile, in 3s, of a dark, shining green. Scape divided at lop in-
to a panicle of yellow flowers, on pedicels bracted at base. Jn. Dry Straicbary.
14. GEUM.
Calyx inferior, 5-cleft, with 5 alternate segments or brac-
teoles smaller and exterior; petals 5 ; achenia tipped with
the permanent style, which is mostly jointed, bearded and
geniculate.
Gr. yivcij^ to taste well ; in allusion to the quality of the root. Cal. segments
deep, acute, the 5 alternate ones smaller. Pet. rounded, cleft or entire, as
long as the cal. and longer than the fil. Ova. numerous as the styles, fiat,
ovate, in a roundish head. Recep. columnar. — Perennial herbs.
1. G. stric'tum.
Hairy, radical ; leaves interruptedly^ pinnate, cauline ones 3 — .5-foliatc ; leaf-
lets ovute, dentate, the terminal one larger; stipules erect; cahjx with the o
alternate bracteoles short, linear; -petals roundisli, a little longer than the ca-
lyx; aions naked, hooked. Habit various. Stem about 2 feet high, with a
cluster of large, jellow flowers at top, on short pedicels. Petals about the
length of the long calyx segments. 31. Aug. Ydloic .'ivcns.
2. G. riva'le.
Pubescent; stem simple; radical leaves l3'-rate; stiptdcs ovate, acute, cut;
flowers nodding; petals as long as the calyx; awns plumose, nearly naked at
top, hooked. A fine plant, conspicuous above ijie grass in wet meadows,
for its dttrk colored, nodding flowers. Stem 1 — 2 feet high, from a creeping,
woody rhiy.oma. Root leaves interruptedly pinnate, inclining to lyrate, tiie
terminal leaflets large, roundish, lobate and crenate ; stem leaves ternate or tri-
lobate, sessile. The stem divides at top into several drooping flower-stalks,
forming a sort of panicle. Calyx ])urplish brown, closed. Petals cbcordate,
erect, yellowish brown, veined. The root is aromatic and astringent. June.
Per. iVuter Acens.
107 SANCIUISORBA.
3. G. Virginia'num.
Pubescent; radical leaves pinfiate, cauline ones 3 — 5- foliate or lobed, all
unequally serrate, cut ; flowers erect ; petals not exceeding the calyx. About
2 feet high in hedges and thickets. Stem erect, branching. The lower leaves
are Sometimes ter'nate, or even simple, with appendaged petioles. Stipules
large, cut into lobes and teeth. Flowers small, whitish. Styles bent and hairy
at t1ie summit. July. White jivens.
4. G. triflo'rum.
Hairy ; stem erect, about 3-flowered ; leaves mostly radical, interruptedly
pinnate, of numerous, cuneate leaflets, cut-dentate; &roc?co/fs linear, longer
than the segments; stifles plumose, very long. On the White Mts; in N.Y.,
&c. Stems scarcely a foot high, with a pair of opposite leaves in the middle,
and several bracts at the bases of the long, slender pedicels. At the top it di-
vides into about 3 flower-stalks, each bearing a single, large, purplish flower.
June. Three-flowered Geum.
5. G. Peck'ii.
Scape nearly naked, paniculate above, many- flowered; radical leaves ]yrSLle-
pinnate, the terminal leaflet very large, roundish, somewhat lobed, cut-den-
tale or crenate, tlie lateral ones minute; petals much longer than the calyx.
White Mts. A species remarkable for its large root-leaves, which are on long,
appendaged petioles, roundish-reniform, somewhat truncate at base, and with
radiate v°eins. Petals yellow, rather large. Jl. Peck's Geum.
6. G. urba'num.
Flowers erect; awns hooked, naked; cauline leaves ternate ; radical ones
lyrate-pinnate, in 5s; upper leaves ovate; stipules large, roundish. From
Europe. The root is mildly astringent, aromatic like cloves. They are chewed
to correct a foul breath. — Flowers yellow. Jn — Aug. Per. Common JJzens.
15. SANGUISO'RBA.
Calyx tubular, 4-si(led, limb 4-partecl, 2 — 3-bractecl at base ;
petals 0; stamens 4, opposite tiie calyx segments; filaments
dilated upwards; style 1, filiform; achenium dry, included
in the calyx.
Lat. sanguis, sorhere, q. d. to absorb blood. The plant has the reputation of
an excellent vulnerary. — Perennial herbs.
S. Canade'nsis.
Spiles very long, cylindric ; stamens many times longer than the calyx.
Stem herbaceous, 2 — 3 feet high, smooth, striate. Leaves unequally pinnate.
Leaflets oblong, obtuse, serrate. Flowers reddish-white, in long, terminal
spikes, appearing in July, ^'ative in wet grounds, and cultivated.
Canada Burnet.
IG. AGRIMO'NIA.
Calyx 5-toothed, contracted at the throat, and with hooked
bristles above; petals 5; stamens 12 — 15; achenia 2, in the
bottom of the calyx tube.
Gr. ayqoi, field, and ittovoj, alone; a name of dignity, on account of its
reputed excellence in medicine, Cal. inferior, tubular. jPet. flat, emarginate.
KOSACEiE. 108 SPIRiBA.
Fil. shorter tlian cor., inserted in the throat of cal. Ova. ovate, flattened, in
the bottom of the cal. Styles lateral, as long as the stamens.
A. eupato'ria.
Stem-leaves pinnate, the odd one petiolate ; fniit hispid. This plant is com-
mon bv road-sides, margins of fields, &c. Stem angular, hairy, 2 feet higii.
Leaves interruptedly pinnate, the leaflets ovate, acutely toothed, smoothisii,
sessile, the terminal one stalked. Flowers yellow, scattered in along, slender
spike. Calyx half as long as the petals, persistent, hispid, with hooked bris-
tles. The plant is bitter, aromatic, astringent and tonic. In June and July,
when in flower, it dyes wool a nankeen color; in September, a darker hue.
Per. Jigriiiiony.
p. parviflora. Stem-leaves pinnate, the odd one sessile ; fruit hispid. Fields.
Stem 2 feet high. Leaflets mostly linear-lanceolate, serrate. Petals once and
a half the length of the calyx. Flowers small, yellow. Jl. Per.
17. POTE'RIUM.
Flowers monoecious. S/en'/e, — calyx of 4 leaves; corolla
4-parted ; stamens 30 — 40. Fertile^ — calyx of 4 leaves ; cor-
olla 4-parted; ovaries 2; fruit 2-celled, invested with the
calyx.
Literally a drinking vessel, and hence a beverage; the plant is used as
inirredient in some medicinal drinks.
P. sanguiso'rba.
Unarmed; siem subangular; stamens much longer than the calyx. From
Europe. The Burnet is less valued in medicine than formerly. The leaves,
when bruised, smell like cucumbers, and are used as a salad. Jn. Per.
Burnet.
18. S P I R iE' A .
Calyx inferior, 5-cleft; petals 5; stamens 10 — 50, exsert;
carpels distinct, follicular, 1-celled, 2-valved, 1 — 3-seeded.
Gr. ffTfUgov, a coil or wreath ; in allusion to the spire-like form of the clus-
ters. Cal. spreading. Pet. roundish. Fil. numerous, nearly as long as cor.
Caps, as many as the stig. — Unarmed shrubs or perennial iierbs.
1. S. TOMENTO'SA.
Leaves lanceolate, unequally serrate, tomcntose beneath; floipers doubly
racemed. A shrubby plant about 3 feet high, very common in pastures and
low grounds. The stem is woody, hard, brittle, and consequently very trouble-
some to the scythe of the mower. Leaves leathery, dark green above, whitish
and downy beneath. Flowers small, purplish, with numerous and conspicu-
ous stamens, forming dense, conical and terminal clusters, of some beauty.
The fruit which succeeds, remains upon the dead stalks during winter, furnish-
ing food for the snow-bird. July. Aug. Hard-hack.
2. S. SALICIFo'lIA. L. S. alba. Mx.
XeaTJCs elliptical-lanceolate, serrate, smooth ; _^f)7ccrs panicled. A slender
shrub, 3 or 4 feet high, in meadows, «fec., distinguished from the foregoing by
smooth leaves and whiter, larger, thinner clusters of flowers. Stem reddish,
LEGUMINOS^. 109 GILLENIA.
woody. Leaves acutely serrate, thin, smooth on both sides. Flowers white,
small, in large, cylindric panicles, terminal and axillary. Jl. Aug.
Meadow-sweet.
3. S. aru'ncus.
Leaves 3-pinnate, membranaceous ; leaflets oblong-lanceolate, acuminate,
tlie terminal ones ovate-lanceolate, doubly and sharply serrate; flmm-s very
numerous, small, white. A tall, branching herb, on the Cattskill Mts., &c.
Tor. <^ Gray.
4. S. hypericifo'lia.
Leaves obovate, entire or toothed at the apex ; mnhels sessile. A handsome
shrub, 4 or 5 feet high, cultivated in shrubberies. Leaves an inch long. Flow-
ers abundant, white, in smooth, lateral umbels, appearing in May. In Eu-
rope, where it is common, it is called the Jtalian St. Jokus-wort. Hard-hack.
5. S. opulifo'lia.
Leaves ovate, 3-lobpd, serrate; eorijinls stalked. River banks throughout
the Northern and Middle States. A shrub 4 feet high, sometimes seen in our
shrubberies. Leaves like those of the viburnum opulus. Flowers white, in
crowded, terminal corymbs. Capsules inflated, smooth, of a shining brown.
Styles 3. June.
19. GILLE'NIA.
Calyx infundibuliform, 5-toothed ; petals 5; stamens 10 —
15, very short; styles 5; carpels 5, connate at base, each 2-
seeded.
Gr. yiXuco, to laugh ; on account of its exhilarating qualities. Cal. tubular,
with an expanding, 5-toothed border. Cor. partly unequal. Pet. lanceolate,
tapering at the claws. Stem included. Capsule opening within. — Perennial
herbs, with trifoliate leaves.
G. trifoi.ia'ta.
Leaves trifoliate, lanceolate, serrate, nearly equal ; stipules linear, entire ;
floicers in loose, terminal panicles; crt/(/2- tubular-canipanulate ; styles 5. A
handsome herbaceous plant, 2 feet high, with ternate or trilobate leaves, and
white flowers appearing in June. Indian Phi/sic.
ORDER XLIX. LEGUxMINOSiE. Leguminous or Bean Tribe.
fa/.— Sepals generally -3. more or less united, often unequal.
(k)r. — Petals 5, eitlier papilionaceous or regular, peri^n,-uous.
Sta. — Diadelphous, nionadclphous or distinct. Anthers versatile.
Oca. — Superior, single and simple. Sh/le and stigma simple.
Fr. — A legume, either continuous (1-celled), or (a lament) jointed into 1-seeded cells.
Sds. — Solitarj' or several, destitute of albumen.
An immense family, consisting of herbs, shrubs and trees, with alternate, usually com-
pound leaves. Stipules 2. at the swelling base of the petiole. Stipelles connnonly S, at
the base of each leaflet. The Order is divided into two principal Suborders, whose char-
acters are indicated further on; viz. Suborder I, Papilionace.e, and Subnrder'J, MimosE-E.
Geography. The Leguminosffi are distributed throughout all lands, with the exception
of a few unimportant Islands, from the Equator to either of the frigid zones. Of its 3300
Epecies known, about 290 are natives of the United States, ]6U2 (according to De Caudolle)
inhabit the Torrid Zone. 1302, north of that Zone, and 424, south of it.
K
leguminos;e, 110 lathyrus.
Properties. No family of the vegetable kino:doni possesses a higher claim to the attention
of the naturalist tliau the LesjuminosaRj whether we regard them as ohjecis of ornament or
utility. Of the former we miglit mention the splendid varieties of Cercis, with their purple
flowers, the Acacias, with their airy foliage and silky stamens, the pride of India, Collulea
and Caesalpiua, with a host of.olhers, wiiich, like the Sweet Pea, are redolent willi per-
fume. Of the latter, the Beans, Peas, Lentils, Clover and Lucerne, are too well known to
require particular conmieudation. Among timber trees the Rosewood (a Brazilian species
of Mimosa), the Laburnum, whose wood is durable and of an olive-green color, and the
Locust (Robinia) of our own country, are pre-eminent.
The following are a few of tlie important officinal products of this order. In medicine :
liquorice is the product of the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra of S. Europe. The purgative senna
consists o( tlic leaves of Cassia semia, C. aeutifolia, C, iEthiopiea and oilirr species of
Egypt and Arabia. C. Marylandica is also acatliartic, but more mild than llie iumier. The
sweet pulp tamarind, is the product of a large and beautiful tree (Tamarindus Indica) of
the E. aiui W. Indies. Resins and balsams : Gwm Senegal is yielded by Acacia Verek of
the river Senegal ; Gum Arabic, by several species of Acacia of central Africa; Chim Tra-
gacynth, by Astragalus verus. &c. of Persia. Baham Copaiva is the product of several spe-
cies of Copaifera, natives of Brazil and AV. India ; Balsam Tolu of Myospennum toluife-
rum, of Peru, and balsam Peru of AI. peruiferum of the same country. Dyes, &c. Indigo,
the most valuable of all, (but a violent poison,) is the product of several southern species of
Indigolera, as I. anil of the W. Indies, and I. argentea of Egypt. Brazil-wood, from Caes-
alpiua Braziiieusis. Log-icood from Haematoxylon Campeachianum, of Campeachy, and
Red-saiidal-wood Irom Plerocarpus santalinus of Egypt, &.e. &.c.
Conifpcctus of the Genera.
* Corolla papilionaceous.
( Calyx 5-tootlied, Melilotus. 6
(1 — 2-seeded; I Calyx 4-toothed, Anipliicarpaa. 7
Legumes 'j many-seeded ; calyx 5-toothed, Pluvteolus. 5
i( l-.jointed,.l-seeded; diadelphous, Lespedeza. 8
\ 2-jointed, 1-seeded ; monadel. Htylosantites. 12
pinnately ; 1 Lonient (many-jointed, . . . Desniodiitm. 11
( I/cgume falcate or spiral, Medirago. i)
I Legu. short, few-seeded, Trifuliuin. 1(1
( Sta. diadelphous; ( Legu. square, 4-winged, Tciragonolobus.VS
palmately; ( Stamens distinct, equal, . . . Baptisia. 17
( outside, . Lnt/iijrus. 1
( and produced ( Style villous | inside, . Vicia, Pisum. 2, '-i
\ into tendrils ; ) Style glabrous, . . Ervum. 4
(■ abruptly, ( not cirrhose; .^tam. monadelphous; leaflets 4, Arachis. 16
I linear, many-seeded. iV/j/ifo.vi'rt. 14
( Leg. flat ( oblong, 1 — 4-seeded, Glycyrrhiza. 15
Leafl. ] ( 1-celled, grooved, P/ioca. 18
9—3:1 ; ( Leg. turgid ) sub-2-celled, Astragalus. 19
] ( Herbs; ( Leaflets 5 — 7 ; stem twining, - . Apios. 21
I 1 inflated, , . CoUutea. 22
i ( Legume \ terete, arcuate, . Indigo/era. 20
uneq- | Slirubs unarmed ; j Loment jointed, . . Coronilla. 24
pinnate [ ually ;[ Trees, &c. armed with spiny stipules, . . Robinia. 23
I Herbs ; stamens 10, monadelphous, .... Crotularia. 2.5
J ( Calyx 2-leaved, with two bracteoles, . . Vlex. 2(i
"] Shrubs ;( Calyx 2-lipped, 5-toothed, . . . Genista. 27
simple. I. Trees ; stamens di.stinct ; legume flat, .... Cercis. 23
** Corolla not papilionaceous.
( Loment lor more joint. Mi)nosa. 32
( Fls. polygamous ; i Legume not jointed, Acaeia. 33
( Shrubs; I Flowers perfect ; stamens 10, . . . (hesalpina. 31
V I 1 unarmed, Gymnocladus. 34
g fbipinnate, &c. ( Trees, (spiny, Gleditschia. 35
g ] palmately .5 — 15-lbliate ; stamens monadelphous. Herbs. . . I.upinus. 29
,j ( unequally pinnate, without tendrils ; sta. 10 distinct. Herbs. . Cassia. 30
Tribe 1, PAPILIONACEiE.
Corolla papilionacenns, rnreJy somcirliat regular, imbriciite or verillanj in
asfivdtion. Stamens 10, dludelplwus, rarely monaddplwus or distinct, inserted
■with the petals into the base cj the calij.c.
LEGCMINOS*. Ill I.ATHTP.US.
1. LA'THYRUS.
Caljxcampanulatc, the two upper'segments shortest; stjle
flat, dilated above, pubescent or villous along the inside, next
the free stamen.
The ancient Greek name of the Sweet Pea. Cor. 5-petaled, vex. largest,
obcordate ; aire oblonji, obtuse, curved upwards, approximate ; keel of 2 uni-
ted petals with separate claws. Style ascending, bent at a right angle with
the ovar}'. — Herbaceous, mostly climbinp;. Leailets from one pair to several.
Petioles produced into tendrils. Peduncles axillary.
1. L. VENO'SUS. Muk.
Siem 4-coraered, naked; stipules semi- sagittate, lanceolate, very small;
peduncles 8 — 16-flowered, shorter than the leaves; hujlets h — 7 pairs, some-
what alternate, obtusish, mucronate. Stexii erect, 2 — 3 feet higli. Flowers
purple. In shady grounds. Jn. Jl.
2. L. OCHROLEU'CUS. Hook.
Stem slender; peduncles 7 — 10-flowered, shorter than the leaves; upper
segments of the calyx truncate, angular ; leijlrts about 3 pairs, broadly ovate;
stipules senii-cordale. A small, delicate species, in shady places and river
banks. June. July.
3. L. PALU'STRIS.
S/f?rt winged; stipules semi-sagittate, large, ovate, mncronate ; Icajlcts in
3 pairs, oblong-ovate, mucronate ; peduncles 3 — 5-flowered, rather larger than
the leaves. A slender climber, found in wet meadows and thickets. Leaves
pinnate-cirrhose, broad or narrow-ovate. Flowers variegated with purple and
blue, drooping. Stems square, broadly winged at the angles, slender, sup-
ported by the tendrils. Jn, Jl. Per. Marsh Latliyrus.
4. L. M.4Rr'TIMUS. Bio. Pisum maiitimum. P.
Stem quadrangular, compressed ; petioles flat above ; si/pi/Zfs sagittate ; leaf-
lets numerous, subalternate, ovate ; ■peduncUs many-flowered. A pale green,
creeping plant, resembling the common pea, found on sandy shores. Stem
rigid, 1 — 2 feet in length. Stipules connate. Leaves ending in a branching
tendril, the lower pairs of leaflets largest. Flowers large, blue. Pod hairy.
.May — July. Per. Beach Pea.
5. L. MYRTIFO'LIUS. Muh.
Stem quadrangular, winged, weak and flexuous; stipules semi-sagittate,
ovate-lanceolate, acuminate ; leaflets 2 pairs, oblong-lanceolate, acute, mucro-
nate, vei[iless ; peduncles longer tlian the leaves, 4 — 5-flowered. A little climb-
ber, growing on river banks. Stem about 3 feet long. Flowers red. Jl. Per.
6. L. LATIFO'L[US.
Peduncles m^ny-{[oweTed; tendrils 2-]cs.veA, the leaflets hnceo]a.te ; joints
membranous-winged. A very showy plant for gardens and arbors, native of
England. Stem G feet long, climbing, wiijged between the joints. Flowers
pinli. Jl. — Sept. Per. Everlasting- Pea.
7. L, odor.\'tus.
Peduncles 2-flowered; tendrils 2Ieaved, the leaflets ovate-oblong; legumes
I-EGUMINOSiE. 112
liirsute. A well known garden flower, native of Sicily. The flowers appear
in June, are large, variegated with red and white. Very fragrant. Ann.
Sweel Pea.
8. L. SATi'VUS.
Peduncles l-Roweied; tendrils 2 — 4-leaved ; ;?oJs ovate, compiessed, with
two edoes at the back. Native of S. Europe, where it has been sometimes
cultivated for food ; but it proved to be a slow poison, both to man and beast,
producing ultimately entire helplessness, by rendering the limbs rigid, but
without pain. Ann. Cluck Pea.
9. L. Cly'imenum.
Pednncles 2-flowered ; tendrils many-leaved ; leaflets lanceolate ; stipules
toothed. Native of Levant. Ann. Various-floieered Pea.
2. V I' C I A .
Calyx with 3 inferior segments, straight, and longer than
the 2 above; vexillum emarginate; style transversely beard-
ed beneath the stigma.
Celtic gicig, whence, Gr. /Stx-ioy. Lat. vicia, Fr. Tcsce., Eng. vetch. Cor.
of 5 petals, vex. largest, oval, ascending, alee oblong, approx., carina flattened,
of 2 united petals with separate claws. Fil. 10, 4 united into a compressed
tube, open at the upper edge, the others hair-like, separate. Stig. obtuse,
with a tuft of hairs in front, below the summit.— Mostly climbing herbs. Leaf-
lets several pairs. Petioles produced into branching tendrils. Peduncles
axillary.
1. V. AmERICA'NA. Muh.
Smooth; peduncles 4— S-flowered, shorter than the leaves; stipules semi-
sagittate, deeply dentate; lenflets 10—14, elliptic-lanceolate, obtuse, mucro-
nale, veined, somewhat alternate ; legumes oblong-linear, compressed, reticu-
lated. Stems slender, 1 — 3 feet long. Flowers blue or purple. Lower calyx
teeth broad-lanceolate, much longer than the 2 upper. Style very hairy at
the summit. May. jimerican Vetch.
2. V. Carolinia'na. IValt.
Pednncles many-flowered ; flotcers distant ; teeth of the calyx shorter than
the tube, the two upper very short; style hairy at the summit; letifcts 8^2,
linear-oblong, smootliish ; legumes not reticulated, oblong. Woods and river
banks. A slender climber, "4 — G feet long. Flowers pale blue, the banner
tipped with deep purple. May. Per. Carolinian Vetch.
3. V. TETRASPF/RMA. Loisel. V. pusilla. Mh.
Peduncles about 2-flowered ; calyx teeth lanceolate, shorter than the tube ;
legume smooth, 4-sceded ; lenflcls 4— (i, small, linear ; stipules lanceolate, semi
sagittate. Slender and delicate plants, growing on banks of streams, Slc.
Flowers very small, bluish white. Legumes about 5-seeded. Jl. Ann.
Slender Vetch.
4. V. sati'va.
Flowers 2, subsessile ; stipules toothed, dotted ; leaflets oblong-ovate, refuse,
mucronate ; legumes erect, roundish, smooth. A slender, climbing plant.
LEGUMINOS^.
113
found in cultivated fields, probably introduced. Stem square. Leaflet^ in
5_G pairs, lanceolate, the lower ones abrupt. Flowers axillary, purple. Stip-
ules marked with a dark spot. J a. Ann. Cumvion Vetch.
5. V. Cracca.
Flowers in imbricated spikes; lenjlds lanceolate, pubescent ; stipnhs semi-
sagittate, linear-subulate, entire. A slender climber, 2—3 ieet long, about
fences, hedges, thickets, <^-c. Stem square, downy. Leaves of many pairs
of downy, iTuicronate leaflets, with a branched tendril at the end of the prin-
cipal stalk. Flowers blue and purple, arranged in a long, dense, one-sided
raceme. July. Per. Toficd Vetch.
6, V. Faba.
S:em many-flowered, rigidly erect; legumes subsessile, torulose; leaflets
oval, entire, acute ; sg, on sandy shores. Pod
becomes black when ripe, 5 — 7-seeded. Corolla purplish, Aug. — Oct. Ann.
2. P. helve'olus.
Slevi slender, twining ; leaflets between oblong-ovate and linear, entire ;
peduncles slender, several times longer than the leaves, lew-flowered ; legume
straight, cylindric, 8 — 10-seeded. Grows in sandy fields. Aug. Sept.
3. P. pere'nnis.
Twining, pubescent; racemes paniculate, mostly in pairs, axillary ; leaflets
ovate, acuminate, 3-nerved; legumes pendulous, falcate, broad-mucronate.
A slender, twining vine, several feet long, in dry woods. Panicles of flowers
C — 12 inches long, exceeding the leaf, 1 — 3 together. Corolla red and pur-
ple. July. Per. Bean Vine.
4. P. vulga'ris.
Raceme solitary, shorter than the leaves; peduncles in pairs; Icgujnes pen-
dulous, long-mucronate. Native of E. Indies. Universally cultivated in the
garden, not only for the sake of its matured fruit, but for its young pods, which
constitute that favorite dish called string-hcans. Varieties are produced by
cultivation, in respect botii to the hight of the stem and the color of the fruit.
Leaves ternate, leaflets nearly smooth, broad ovate-, acuminate. Stipules
oblong. Flowers 4 or G, in each cluster, their pedicels opposite, pale-bluish
white. July. Ann. Common Pole Bean.
5. P. multiflo'rus.
Raceme solitary , as long as the leaves ; peduncles opposite ; pods pendulous ;
bracts appressed, a little shorter than the calyx. Native of S. America. Stem
twininof, many feet in length, with numerous clusters of brilliant scarlet flow-
ers. Fruit considered less valuable for the table than the last. Jl. Ann.
Scarlet Kidney Bean,
6. P. luna'tus.
Legumes scimetar-shaped ; racemes shorter than the leaves; peduncles in
pairs; secrf.s compressed, purplish-white. NativeofE. Indies. Stem twining,
of great length. Flowers of a greenish white. Jl. Ann. Lima Beau.
7. P. NANUS.
Stein smooth ; bracts larger than the calyx ; pods pendulous, compressed,,
rugose. From India. Stem erect, a foot high. Flowers white. June.
Ann. Common dwarf Kidney-Bean. Buck Bean,
LEGUMIKOS^. 115 LESPEDEZA.
6. MELILO'TUS.
Calyx tubular, 5-toothed; keel simple, shorter than the
ate and vexillum; legume rugose, longer than the calyx;
flowers racemose.
Lat. md, honey, and lotus. In drying it exhales a sweet scent. Tliis genus
was taken from Trifoliinn, from wliich genus it technically differs in the pods,
they being longer than the calyx, and in the inflorescence being racemose,
not in heads.
M. OFFICINA'LIS. P. Trifolium officinalis. L.
Slemevect; /flffl/Zcfs ovate-oblong, dentate ; legumes naked, 2-seeded, rugose,
in racemes. This kind of trefoil is about 3 feet high, growing in meadows,
indigenous according to Eaton. Stem furrowed, branching. Leaves ternate,
leaflets oblong, narrow, obtuse, smooth, with minute, mucronated teeth. Flow-
ers yellow, in long, one sided, axillary, erect racemes. Pods oval, pendulous.
The whole plant is sweet-scented. Jn. Ann. McLilot Trefoil.
/3 alba, sometimes made a distinct species, is the common Sweet-scented clo-
ver of tlie gardens. The stem is robust, very blanching, 4 — G feet high.
Flowers small, very numerous, white. Leaves ternate, oval, more obtuse at
tlie summit tlian at the base, sharply serrate. The whole plant sweet-scent-
ed. June — Aug. Naturalized. Sweet-scented Clover.
7. AMPHICARPJE'A.
Calyx tubular, campanulate, 4-toothed, (or 5-toothed, the
upper 2 united) with nearly equal segments; petals oblong ;
vexillum with the sides oppressed; stigma capitate; ovary oa
a sheathed stipe; legume flat, 2 — 4-seeded.
Gr. au,(pi, around, icaQTroi, fruit ; in reference to the ovary sheathed at base.
Only the upper flowers are complete, but usually barren; those upon the low-
er prostrate branches, apetalous and fertile. — Slender, twining annuals.
A. MONOl'CA. JN'""- Glycine monoica. L.
Leaves ternate, ovate, acute, smooth ; stcvi hairy ; racemes of the stem with
pendulous, petaliferous, barren flowers ; radical peduncles with apetalous, fer-
tile flowers. A very slender vine, in woods and thickets. Stem twining,
rough backwards. Leaves very thin. Racemes axillary, few-flowered.
Flowers pale-purple. Jl. Aug. Per. Pea Fine.
8. LESPEDE'ZA.
Calyx 5-parted, complete, bibracieoiate at base, segments
nearly equal; keel ot' the corolla obtuse; loment lenticular,
unarmed, one-seeded.
Named by iVlichaux, in honor of Lespedez, a governor of Florida, who pro-
tected tiiat botanist during his researches. A genus taken from Hedysarum,
from wliich it diflTers in the loment, which is lens-shaped, smooth, with one
seed only. Perennial herbs.
1. L. CAPITA'ta. Mx. L. frutescens. Ell.
Liaves ternate ; leaflets elliptical, obtuse, silky-pubescent ; stipules subulate ;
fascicles of flowers ovate, sub-capitate, shorter than the leaves, axillary ; lo
LECiUMlNOS-E. 116 MEDICAGO.
merits hairy, shorter than the villous calyx. A slender, hairy, shrubby plant,
2 — 4 feet high, found in dry woods. Leaves very numerous, on sliort petioles,
each consisting of 3 mucronated leaflets, covered with silken down beneath,
smooth above. Flowers white and red. Sept. Buih Clover.
2. L. HIRTA.
Leaves ternate ; leaflets roundish-elliptic ; racemes capitate, axillary, oblong,
longer than the leaves ; corolla and lomeitt about as long as the calyx. A
plant, 2 — 4 feet high, found in dry woods, erect, branching and very hairy.
Leaves leas numerous than the last, on very short stalks, consisting of 3 oval
leaflets, hairy beneath. Peduncle hairy, much longer than the raceme. Flow-
ers reddish white, crowded. Aug. — Sept. Hairy Lespedcza.
3. L. VIOLA'CEA. Pers.
Leaflets oval -elliptic, obtuse; racemes umbellate, longer than the petioles;
floiccrs inpa'irs; /omertL^rhomboidal, reticulate, smooth. Dry woods. Stems
long and slender, nearly erect, smoothish. Leaves consisting of 3 small,
mucronated leaflets, nearly smooth. Flowers violet-colored, rather numerous,
pedicelled, arranged by pairs in slender racemes, which are disposed in the
form of an umbel. Pods I -seeded. Jl. Aug. Violet Lespedeza.
/3. sessiUflora ; leaflets ohlong-ovvA, obtuse ; /risfzc/cs of flowers subsessile,
axillary and terminal; lument naked, acute; calyx minute. In dry woods.
Stem slender, erect, branching, 2 feet high. Leaves pubescent beneath, on
long stalks. consisting of 3mucronated leaflets varying much in size. Bunches
of small, violet-colored flowers numerous, tiie axillary ones nearly sessile. Aug.
y. reticulata; leaflets oblong-linear, hairy beneath ; fascicles oHiowers sub-
sessile, axillary and terminal ; lament ovate, reticulate with prominent lines,
acute. Dry woods. Stem simple or branched, nearly smooth. Leaflets
very narrow. Flowers violet-colored.
2- diver sens ; leaflets oblong, obtuse ; racemes longer than the petiole ; floW'
«•*• in pairs ; leguvies ova.ie, reticulate, suiooth. Dry woods. Plant diffuse,
branching, erect, smoothish, 1 or 2 feet high. Leaflets appressed, hairv be-
neath, narrow, blunt at each end. Flowers violet, in long, slender, axillary
racemes. Aug.
4. L. procu'mbens.
Leaflets oval, upper surface smooth ; racemes short, on very long, setaceous
peduncles; /o/ni?«^s roundish, pubescent ; .•-■ilcvns procumbent. Dry woods and
sandy fields. Plant pubescent in all its parts. Stems several Iro.m the same
root, slender, 2 — 3 feet long. Leaves consisting of 3 oblong or roundish leaf-
lets, on hairy stalks. Flowers purple, in short, raceme-like heads, axillary,
the lower ones apetalous, and on short, the upper on very long, thread-like
filaments. Aug. Procuriibent Lespedeza.
5. L. angustifo'lia.
Leaves ternate; leaflets oblong, oval and lanceolate, hoary- pubescent be-
neath ; rarenies capitate, longer than the leaves ; cnrolla longer than the calyx.
A tall, shiubby species, congener of L. cupitata, found in dry woods. Stem
3 — 4 feet high, slender. Flowers white or i eddish. Sept.
JVarroic-leaved Lespedeza.
9. MEDICA'GO.
Keel of corolla deflexed from the vexilliim, bj the falcate
or spiral, compressed legume.
Name derived from Medcs, its native country. Cal. inferior, straight, cyl-
indric, in 5 nearly equal segments. Vex. ovate, entire, inflexed at the edges,
LEGU.MINOSJG.
117 TRIFOLIUM.
the whole reflexed. Wings oblong-ovate, affixed to the appendages of the
keel, cohering by their edges within it.— Herbaceous, with palmately trifoli-
ate leaves.
1. M. lupuh'na.
Spikes ovate ; legumes reniform, 1-seeded, veiny, rugose ; stems procumbent.
Pretty common in fields and road-sides. Stems angular, leafy. Leaves ter-
nate, resemblino- those of clover. Leaflets obovate, serrulate, mucronate.
Spikes small, of'yellow flowers. Pods somewhat spiral, a form which char-
acterizes the genus. May— Oct. Ann. J^one-sucfi.
2. M. SATi'VA.
Peduncles racemed; Zeo'?/7nc5 smooth, spirally twisted; stipules enlhe ; leaf-
lets oblong, toothed. A deep-rooting, perennial plant, sending up numerous,
tall and sFender clover-like shoots, with spikes of blue or violet flowers. Na-
tive of Europe, where it is highly valued as a forage plant. It has been nat-
uralized and cultivated to some extent with us, but has hitherto proved of less
value than clover. July. Per. Luceni Medick.
3. M. interte'xta.
Peduncles about 2-flowered; legumes cochleate, oval, with downy, seta-
ceous, pubescent, reflexed, appressed prickles ; leaflets ThomholAaX, toothed.
Native of S. Europe. Cultivated as a garden flower for the curiosity of its
pods. About a foot in hight. Flowers yellow. Jn.— Aug. Ann. Hedge-hog.
4. M. scutella'ta.
Peduncles 2-flowered ; legumes unarmed, cochleate, orbicular, convex at the
base, flat above, with concentric, spiral folds. Native of S. Europe. Culti-
vated among flowers for tiie cuiiosily of its pods, which much resemble snail
shells. July. Ann. Snail.
Several other species are equally curious with the above, and are sometimes
found in our gardens.
10. TRIE O' LIU M.
Legume covered by the caljx, falling off entire, 2 — 4-seed-
ed; flowers subcapitatc.
Gr. r(i:(pv>.>.ov. Fr. trifle, Eng. trefoil. As the name indicates, these plants
are trifoliate. Cal. inferior, 5-toothed, perennial. Cor. 4-petaled, allmore or
less united by their long claws, withering. Vex. reflexed. Wings all oblong,
shorter than the vex. Keel 1-petaled, sliorter tlian the wings. Fil. 9 in one
set, 1 in the other. Legumes short, membranous, without valves, hardly
longer than the calyx. Seeds roundish. — Herbs. Leaflets with straiglat veins,
scarcely reticulated. Flowers in dense heads or spikes.
1. T. prate'nse.
Spikes dense ; stems ascending ; coroVas unequal ; loicer tooth of the calyx
longer than the four others, which are equal; leaflets ova\, entire. This is
the^'common Red Clover, so extensively cultivated in grass lands, with herds
grass {Phleum pratense) and other grasses, and often alone. Stems several
from tiie same root, hairy. Leaves ternate, the leaflets ovate, lighter colored
in the centre, entire and nearly smooth. Stipules ovate, mucronate. Flow-
ers red, in short, ovate spikes or heads, sweet-scented. Corollas monopeta-
lous. Flowers all summer. Per. -Rcii Clover,
LEGDMINOS^. 118 DESMODIUM.
2. T. REPENS.
Heads umhelhle : legumes 4-seeded; stems crcepinfr. A common pnsture
plant, much valued by farmers. Steins several from the same root, sjjreading,
extendinsj (j — 12 inches, rooting at the joints, smooth. Leaves ternate, on
long stalks, leaflets roundish, lighter colored in tlie centre. Flowers white,
in a dense liead resembling an umbel, the stalk much longer than the leaves,
solitary, axillary, angular. Pods included within the calyx. The White Clo-
ver grows in all soils, mountainous, meadovv' or rocky, and soon springs up
in newly cleared lands. May — Sept. Per. White Ciover.
8. T. PROCu'mbens. L. T. procumbens and agrarium. L.
Spikes ovo.], imbricate; vcxilium furrowed, reflexed, persistent; siem pro-
cumbent; leaflets obovate. An annual species, v/ith bright yellow heads of
llowers, found in dry pastures. Stems numerous, spreading, 6 — 12 inches in
length. In richer soil, the stems are procumbent only at the base, afterwards
erect or nearly so, slender, smoothish, reddish. Leaflets in 3s, obovate or
roundisli, the middle one stalked. Lower common leaf-stalks an inch in length,
more or less. Spikes about liO-fiovvered. oftener hemispherical, small June.
July. ■ Yellow Clover. Hop Trefoil.
4. T. arve'nse.
Heads cylindrical, very hairy ; calyx teeth setaceous, longer than the corol-
la; leaflels narrow-obovate. A low plant, abundant in dry, sandy fields.
Stems much branched, round, hair}', G — 12 inches high. Leaves hairy, on
short petioles, of 3 narrow leaflets, half an inch to an inch long. Stipules
ovate-lanceolate, acute, often red. Heads of while or pale red flowers, spiked,
half an inch to an inch and a half long, very soft and downy, the slender,
equal calyx teeth being densely fringed with fine, siUjy, reddish hairs, and
projecting far beyond the corolla. Jl. Aug. Ann. Hair's-foot Trefoil.
5. T. me'dium.
Stem branching, flexuous, suberect ; leaflets oblong, subentire ; stipvles
acuminate ; heads of floaters loose, roundish ; calyx hairy, with setaceous teeth.
Heads large, deep purple. Leaves uniformly green. Introduced. Per.
6. T. refle'xum.
Procumbent, pubescent; leaves obovate; stipules cordate, oblique; heads
many-tlowered; flowers podicelled, at length reflexed; /e4'-MOTeA- about 3-seed-
ed. Dry rocky hills in the S. States. Stems 12 — 18 inches m length. Leaves
of 3 inversely egg-shaped, slightly serrate, soft, downy leaflets, variegated
with white. Flowers large and handsome, red, in terminal and axillary heads,
reflexed when in fruit. Jn. Per. Buffalo Clover.
11. D E S M O' D I U M .
Calyx S-cIeft, bilabiate, bii)raclcolate at base; legume lo-
mentaceous, compressed, composed of several 1-seeded, sep-
arable joints.
Gr. diiTf/,oi, a bond; in reference to the slightly connected joints of the
loment. Cal. lower lij) 3-parted or 3-tootlied, the upper, 2. Cor. papil. Vex.
roundish. Keel obtuse. Sla. diadelphous, 9 iSl 1. — Herbaceous or sufjruti»
cose. Leaves pinnately trifoliate.
LEGUMINOSjE. 119 DESMODIUM.
1. D. CaNADE'NSE. Dc. Hedysarura Canadense. L.
Leaflets oblong-lanceolate, nearly smooth; stipules filiform; bracts ovate,
long-acuminate; flowers racemcd; joints of the himcnt obtusely triangular,
hispid. Ratlier common in woods. A handsome plant, about 3 t'eet in hight.
Stern upright, striate. Leaflets 3 inches long, broadest at base, pointed, near-
ly smooth. Flowers purple, at the top of the plant, in axillary and terminal
racemes. Bracts long. Pods about 5-joinled. Jl. Per. Bush Trifoil,
2. D. ROTUNDIFo'lIUM. Do. Hedysarum rotundifolium. L.
Stem prostrate, hairy; leaflets suborbicular, hairy on both sides; bracts
broadly ovate, acuminate; racemes few-flowered ; jo«net high, pubescent. Pods about 4-jointed. Found in woods. Aug.
Perennial. Green-flowered Desmodium.
4. D. PANICULA'tuM. Dc. Hedysarum paniculatum. L.
Plant erect, smooth; leaflets thin, oblong-lanceolate; stipules subulate;
panicle terminal, with long and slender pedicels; bracts lanceolate; joints of
the lament rhomboidal. A handsome species, near 3 feet in bight, found in
woods. Stem slender, striate. Leaves of 3, smooth, narrow leaflets broadest
at the base, tapermg to an obtuse point, about 3 inches in length, with subu-
late, deciduous bracts. Pods 4 — 5-jointed, large. Flowers purple, numerous.
July. Per. Panicled Desmodium.
5. D. NUDIFLO'RUM. Dc. Hedysarum nudiflorum. L.
Leaves ternate, roundish-ovate, acuminate, slightly glaucous beneath ; scape
radical, panicled, smooth ; joints of the lament obtusely triangular. Common
in woods. It is remarkably distinguished by having its leaves and flowers
on separate stalks, often distant from each other. Stem 8 — 10 inches high,
with several ternate, long-stalked, smooliiish, terminal leaves. Scape 2 — 3
feet long, slender, smooth, leafless, panicled, with many small, purple flowers.
August. Per. JS'aked-flawcrcd Desmodium.
6. D. ACUMINA'tUM. Dc. Hedysarum acuminatum. M.
Plant erect, simple, pubescent, leafy at top; lea ves ternate, ovaie, long-acu-
rainate, the odd leaflet round-rhomboidal ; panicle terminal, on a very long
peduncle. Common in woods. Stem 8 — 12 inches high, ending in a slender
panicle 1 or 2 feet lon^ofioi, a bean.
T. E'duLIS. Lk. Lotus tetragonolobus. L.
Legumes solitary ; hrarts ovate ; leaves ternate, the intermediate leaflets sub-
dentate. A hardy climber, cultivated for the sake of its deep crimson, velvety
flowers, and its curious pods. Native of Spain and Sicily, where its fruit was
formerly used for food by the poor. This plant is celebrated in botanic histo-
ry. Linnasus observed 'that its flowers became invisible in the evening, by
being enveloped in their bracts, and reappeared in the morning. He was thus
first led to consider the subject of tlie Sleep of plants, and to write upon it.
July. Aug. Ann. Wuigtd Pea.
14. TEPHRO'SIA.
Teeth of the calyx 5, subulate, nearly equal; keel obtuse,
cohering with the wing; legume linear, much compressed,
coriaceous; stamens diadelphous.
Gr. Tf(f>go«, ash-colored; in allusion to the color of the foliage. — Herbs and
shrubs, with unequally pinnate leaves.
T. ViRGINIa'NA. Pcrs. Galega Virginiana. L.
Erect, villous ; Icaficts numerous, oblong, acuminate ; raceme terminal, sub-
sessile ; legume falcate, villous. About a foot high, with very beautiful white
and purple flowers, found in dry woods. The whole plant is covered with a
whitish down. Leaves pinnate", with 10—12 pairs of pale green leaflets, .sur-
mounted by an odd one. Calyx red. Banner white, keel rose-colored, wings
red. July. i'er. Cut-gut. GuaVs Rue.
15. GLYCYRRHI'ZA.
Calyx tubular, regular, 5-parted; vexillum erect, reflexed
at the sides; alffi spreading; carina bitid; legume oblong,
smooth, 3 — 4-seeded.
Gr. yXt/x.t/«, sweet, Qi^a., root; from the well known properties of the
liquorice root.
G. officina'lis.
Legumes smooth; stipules none; leaflets ovate, retuse, clammy beneath.
Thetiquorice plant is deep-rooting, perennial, herbaceous. Native of S. Eu-
rope, its stalk rises about 4 feet. Flowers light blue, in axillary spikes.
Leaves pinnate, of about II leaflets. This plant is cultivated in plantations
for the sake of its roots, and its extract, of the shops. The best soil for its
culture, is a deep, sandy loam, which must be spaded or plowed to the depth
of 2 feet. It is increased by cuttings of the root, which should be planted in
the autumn, in rows, and afterwards hoed and weeded as necessary. After
the third summer's growth, the roots are taken up and preserved in sand for
sale or use. Liquorice.
L
LEGUMXNOSiE. 122 ASTRAGALUS.-
IG. A'RACHIS.
Calyx 2-lipped; corolla resupinate; filaments united; le-
gume gibbous, torulose, veiny, coriaceous.
An ancient Lat. name of a subterranean plant.
A. hypog^'a.
Leaves in 4s, cuneate, rounded; stipvh.s undivided; stem nearly smooth.
Native of S. America. As tlie pods increase in size, they force themselves
into the ground, and there ripen their seeds. Hence the specific name, which
signifies under ground. In Carolina the seeds are used as chocolate. Plant
2 feet high. Flowers yellow. May. Jn. I'er. Pea JS'ut.
17. BAPTI'SIA.
Petals of nearly equal length; calyx 4 — 5-cleft half way;-
legume inflated, many-seeded.
Gr. /iciTrrco, to dye; a use to which some species are applied. Cal. 4 — 5-
cleft, sub-bilabiate, persistent. Sta. deciduous. Ova. stiped. Legumes often
few-seeded by abortion. — Perennial herbs.
B. tincto'ria.
Leaves tern ate, stalked; leaflets roundish, obovate ; stipules seiaceons, obso-
lete. A common plant, very glabrous, and much branched, 2 or 3 feet high.
Leaflets on short petioles, in" 3s, tapering to a point at the base. Stipules very
sliort. Flowers yellow, in loose, terminal racemes. Legumes short, round-
ish, long-stiped. The leaves become black in drying. Woods and dry soils.
July. Per. If't^d Indigo.
18. P H A C A .
Calyx 5-toothed; keel obtuse; legume turgid, 1-cclled;
placenta swelling.
Gr. (pcix.r)j lentil, derived from (petyo), to eat. Two upper teeth of cal. often
divaricate. — Perennial herbs. Fls. in a.xiUary racemes.
P. negle'cta. t.^- O.
Erect, branching, nearly smooth ; leaflets elliptical, 11 — 17 ; slipvles minute ;
racemes many-flowered, rather loose ; legume sessile, smooth, roundish-ovate,
much inflated, with a deep groove at the ventral suture. Western N. Y., by
streams and lakes. A plant about 2 feet high, resembling the Astragalus
Canadensis, but more slender and delicate. Flowers white. Seeds small and
numerous. June. July.
19. ASTRA'GALUS.
Calyx 5-toothcd; keel of corolla obtuse; legume with a
longitudinal, lialf-breadth partition attached to one edge.
A Greek name of uncertain application. Cal. tubular, lower toothlets grad-
\ially less. Cor. papil. Vex. larger than the other pet., cmarginate, obtuse,
straight. Wings length of keel. Ova. subcolumnar. — Herbaceous or iialf-
shrubby, more or less canescent, with hairs fi.xed in the middle. Leaflets nu-
merous, with an odd one.
l^EGUMINOS^.
123 COLLUTEA.
A. Canade'nsis.
Canescent, erect, diffuse ; stipvJes broad-fenceoiate, acuminate ; hnjlets
about 10 pairs with an odd one, elliptical, obtuse at both ends, the lowest
ovate-obtuse ; peduncles about as long as the leaves, vi'hen in fruit shorter ;
spikes oblong ; floictrs spreading, somewhat reflexed ; legumes ovate-oblong-,
terete, suberect, smooth, 2-celled, many-seeded, abrupt at the end and tipped
with a permanent style. River banks, &c. At the ferry, Niagara Falls. Stem
bushy, about ',\ feet liigh, very leafy. Flowers greenish yellow, in short, dense
spikes. Pods I inch in length, leathery. Jl. Aug. Canadian Milk Vulc'i,.
20. INDIGO'FERA.
Calyx spreading; carina with a spreading, subulate spur on
each side.
Lat. indigo, fero, that is, a plant bearing indigo.
I. tincto'ria.
LM?;es pinnate, oblong, smooth, with 9 leaflets; racemes shorter than the
leaf; leen3 nnonadelphous ; caljx deeply bilabiate, upper lip
2-cleft or toothed; anthers alternately rounded and oblong;
legume coriaceous, swelling at the seeds.
Lat. hivus, a wolf; because this plant overruns the soil, and devoais as it
were all its fertility. — Herba, with palmate, 5 — 15-foliate leaves.
1. L. PERENMS.
i?oo< creeping, perennial; haves digitate; ^ower* alternate ; ad yxes vj'iih-
out appendages, upper lip emarginate, lower entire. Grows wild abundantly
in sandy woods and hills, particularly about Lake Champlain. It is a beauti-
ful plant, much cultivated in gardens. It is often called sun-dial, from the
curious circumstance of its leaves turning to face the sun from morning till
nio-ht. Stem erect, soft, smoothish, a foot high. Leaves soft, downy, on long
stalks. Leaflets 7 — 9, arranged in a stellate manner, lanceolate, broadest
above the middle. Flower&blae, varying to white, in a terminal spike or ra-
ceme. May. Jurse. Per. Co-mmou Lupine.
2. L. NoOTKATE'iNSlS.
Cfl/yi whorled, without appcntlagc ; lorcer Up entire; stem nnd leaves hany.
A tall, handsome plant from iNootka Sound, very ornamental for the garden.
Stem herbaceous, erect, hairy, C feet high. Leaves digitate, on long stalks^
LEGUMINOSJE.
127 C5:SALPINA.
hairy, each consisting of about 7, narrow, lanceolate leaflets arranged in a
stellate manner. Flowers large, purple, in a terminal raceme. June — Aug.
Perennial. J\'ootka Sound Ltipine.
The other species cultivated in gardens, are L. alius, an annual plant, with
white flowers; h.pilosus, Rose Lupine, annual, with rose-colored flowers;
L. lutens, Yellow Lupine, annual, with yellow flowers; L. hirsutus, Garden
Lupine, annual, with blue flowers and an appendaged calyx,
30. CA'SSIA.
Calyx 3-leaved; corolla 5-petaled ; the 3 upper anthers
sterile, 3 lower ones beaked.
From the Hebrew name Katzioth. Cal. lax, concave, colored, deciduous.
Pet. roundish, concave, lower ones more distant, longer and more spreading.
Fil. declined, 3 lower ones larger, 3 lower anthers very large, 3 upper small,
barren. Leaves abruptly pinnate.
1. C. Marila'ndica.
Smooth ; leaflets in 8 or 9 pairs, oblong-lanceolate, mucronate, equal, an
obovate gland on the common petiole ; floiccrs in axillary racemes and termi-
nal panicles. This beautiful plant is frequently met with in alluvial soil, grow-
ing in close masses, 4 — 6 feet high. The stem is round, striate, with scattered
hairs. Petiole channelled above, and distinguished by the pedicelled gland
near the base. Petals bright yellow, 3 above and 3 below. In medicine it ia
used as a mild cathartic, Aug. Per. American Senna.
2. C. Cham.s:cri'sta.
Leaves in many pairs; gland of the petiole stiped ; stipules ensiform. An
elegant plant, a foot or more high. Stem round, pubescent. Leaves pinnate,
in about 12 pairs. Flowers on short peduncles, large, yellowish, two upper
petals with a purple spot. Its leaves possess considerable irratibility, as do
also those of the following species. Dry grounds. Has been cultivated iii
Vircrinia for the purpose of recovering worn out lands, Aug, Ann.
Dwarf Cassia.
3. C. NI'CTITANS.
Leaflets 12—30 ; flower pentandrous. Stem erect, about a foot high, slen-
der, pubescent, a little branched. Tlie leaflets are in many pairs, oblong, ob-
tuse, with a bristly point, crowded, having a pedicelled gland below the lowest
pair. Flowers pale yellov/, small, axillary, on short peduncles. An irritable
plant, closing its leaves when touched, and in the night. Jl. Ann.
Virginian Cassia,
31, C^SALPl'NA.
Calyx cup-shaped at the base, of 5 united, subequal sepals;
corolla of 5 unequal, unguiculate petals; stamens 10, all fer-
tile, ascending; legume 1-celled ; seeds several, flat.
Named in honor of Csesalpinus, physician to Pope Clement VIII, and the
earliest writer on systematic botany.-- -Trees and shrubs, with abruptly bi-
pinnate leaves.
LER0MINOS-E.
128 GYMKOCLADUS.
C. pulche'rrima.
Aculeate ; Iciifeis obovate ; cahjx smooth ; petals fimbriate, on long claws ;
JloiDcrs on long pedicels. An ornamental shrub from W. India, with large,
orange-colored, variegated flowers.
32. MIMO'SA.
Flowers polygamous. Perfect /Z.^Caljx 5-toothed ; co-
rolla 0, or 5-toothed; stamens 4 — 15; legume separated into
one-seeded joints; sterile f. like the perfect, but without
ovaries or fruit.
Gr. ftiftoi, a buffoon ; because the leaves seem as if sporting with the hand
tliat touches them.
M. SENSITi'VA.
Stem and petiole prickly ; leaflets in pairs, the interior ones minute. Native
of Brazil. Slender, about 18 inches high, with small, pink flowers.
33. ACA'CIA.
Flowers polygamous. Calyx 4-toothed; corolla tubular,
campanulate, 4 — 5-cleft; stamens 8 — 200; legume not joint-
ed, many-seeded.
A large and exceedingly ornamental genus, abounding in important pro-
ducts, as Catechu and Gum Arabic, and is of very easy culture in the green-
house. They are trees, often shrubs.
A. Juhbra'ssin is a small, ornamental tree, native of Persia. Leaves with
8 — 12 pairs of pinnae. Flowers white, with a multitude of long, silky stamens,
on account of which the Persians have called it Gul ebruschim, i. e. Rose of silk.
34. GYMNOCLA'DUS.
Flowers dioecious. Sterile f. — Calyx tubular, 5-cleft ; cor-
alla 5-petaled. Fertile f. — Calyx and corolla as above ; style 1;
legumes 1-celled, pulpy inside; seed large, roundish and hard.
Gr. yv^voi, naked, and jtXa^o^, a shoot ; on account of the naked appear'
ance of its strange, rigid shoots in winter.
G. Canade'nsis.
Leaves bipinnate; leaflets ova.], acuminate, pubescent. The Coffee tree is
found in Western N. Y., Ohio, 4'C., on the borders of lakes and rivers. It
grows to the hight of .50 feet, with a diameter of 15 inches. The trunk is
straight and simple, 2.5 feet, covered with a very rough, scaly bark, and sup-
portinir a ratiier small, but regular head. The compound leaves are 2 — 3 feet
lono- and I5--2() inches wide, being doubly compounded of a great number
of dull o-ri-en leaflets. Flowers large and white, succeeded by large, curving
pods containing several hard, gray seeds. The wood of the Coffee tree is
reddish, fine-grained and strong, and is valuable in architecture, and in cabi-
net-work. May— July.
MYRTACEJE. 129 MYRTUS.
/
35. GLEDI'TSCHIA.
Flowers polygamous. Ptrfccl fi. — Calyx 4-cleft; corolla
4-petaled ; stamens 6 — 8; legume long, compressed. Slam-
inatef. — Calyx 3-leaved ; petals 3; stamens 6. Pistillate
f. — Calyx 5-leaved ; petals 5 ; legume as above.
Named in honor of John G. Gleditsch of Leipzig, a distinguished botanical
writer, about 1750.
G. tri^a'nthus.
Branches armed with thick, triple spines ; leaves pinnate, of linear-oblong
leaflets; legumes very long, compressed. This fine tree is rarely found na-
tive in the Atlantic States, but belongs peculiarly to the Western. It is ac
casionally, and deserves to be generally cultivated for ornament and shade.
In favorable circumstances it will attain the hight of 70 feet, with a trunk
undivided half its length, and 3 or 4 feet in diameter. The thorns with which
the branches are armed in a most formidable manner, are 2 — 3 inches long,
ligneous, often having 2 secondary thorns branching from tlie sides. The
foliage is light and elegant. Flowers small, white, succeeded by flat, crook-
ed, hanging pods 12 — 18 inches in length, and of a dull red color, remaining
on the treelong after the leaves are fallen. They contain flat, brown, hard
seeds, and a fleshy substance which is at first very sweet, but becomes sour.
June. Honey Locust.
ORDER LI. MYRTACE^. The Myrtle Trihe.
Cat. — Adherent below to the compound ovaiy, the limb 4 — 5-cleft, valvate.
Cor. — Petals as many as the segments of the calyx.
Sea. — Indefinite. Anthers introrse. Style and stigma simple.
Fr. — With many seeds.
A fine order of trees and shrubs, distinguished by its opposite, exstipulate, dotted, entire
leaves, generally with a vein running close to the margin. Native of warm or torrid coun-
tries, especially of S. America and the E. Indies.
Properties. A fragrant or pungent volatile oil, residing chiefly in the pellucid dotting of
the leaves pervades the order. The Caryophyllus aromaiicus, native of Arabia, a tree
about "20 feet in hight, yields the clove {dou Fr. a nail) which is the dried floiver. Cajeput
oil is distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca Cajcpiiu, native of the E. Indies. A kind
of g-K?ra kino is obtained from Eucalyptus resinifera, :il'-
Sta.— Twice as many as the petals, sometimes of the same number, the filaments inflexed in
4itttainens\0 — 12. Swanips. Stem woody at base,
4 or 6-an. — Sepals nnite(l,5, persi.^tent, equal.
Cor. — Petals 5 or U), cucullate, inserted into the recesses of the calyx.
Sta. — Indefinite, numerous, inserted with the petals, distinct or adhering in several sets.
Ora.— Adherent to the calyx more or less, 1-ceUed, with 3—5 parietal placentae. Style 1.
St.'*.— Many.
Herbaceous plants, with bristles or stinaring hairs. Leaves without stipules. Flowers
large. Natives of America, wust of the Mississippi.
MENTZE'LIA.
Calyx tubular, 5-parted; petals 5 — 10, flat, spreading; sta-
mens indefinite, 30 — 200; ovary inferior; styles 3, filiform,
connate, and often spirally twisted; stigmas simple, minute;
capsule I -celled, many-seeded.
Beautiful flowering herbs, named in honor of Dr. Christian Mentzel, phy-
sician to the Elector of Brandenburg.
M. Li'NDLEYl. T. 4^ G. Bartonia aurea. Lind.
Hispid ; leaves ovate-lanceolate, pinnatifid ; lobes often dentate ; flowers sol-
itary or nearly so, terminal ; petals broadly obovate, very abruptly acuminate ;
filaments filiform, and, with the seeds, numerous. Native of California. Stems
decumbent, branching, 1 — '3 feet in length, with golden yellow flowers 2 — 3
inches in diameter, the beauty of which is greatly heightened by the innu-
merable thread-like, yellow stamens. Ann. Cultivated, Golden Bartonia.
ORDER LIX. PASSlFLORACEiE. Uc Passion Fhicer Trihe.
Cat — Sepals 4 — 5, united below into a tube, the sides and throat of which are lined with a
ring of fdamentous processes, which appear to be metamorphosed petals.
Cot. — l^elals 5, arising from the throat of the calyx outside the crovru.
PASSIFLORACEa:. 139 BASSIFLORA.
Sta. — 5, monadelphous, surrounding the stipe of the ovary.
Qi-a. — Superior, on a long stipe, 1-celled, Styles 3.
Fr. — Stalked, within the calyx, many-seeded.
Herbaceous plants or shrubs, usually climbing. Leaves alternate^ stipulate. Flowers
large and showy, in axillary racemes. Natives of Tropical America, but cultivated in
many other countries as ornamental flowers. The fruit of the GranadiUa (Passitlora mul-
tiformis) is eaten in the W. Indies, and highly valued as a dessert, but the root is poisonous.
PASSIFLO'RA.
Calvx deeply 5-parted, colored; the throat with a complex
crown of filiform rays; petals 5 or 0; fruit a pulpy berry.
Lat. flos passionis, because the several parts of the flower were supposed
to represent the passion of Jesus Christ. The five stamens were compared
to his five wounds ; the three styles, to the three nails by which he was fixed
to the cross; the column which elevates the ovary, to the cross itself, and
the rays of the crown to the crown of thorns.
1. P. Lu'tea.
Leaves cordate, 3-lobed, obtuse, smooth ; petioles without glands ; peduncles
axillary, in pairs ; petals much narrower than the calyx. Native in Penn. and
Vir. to Florida. Stem creeping, a few feet in length. The leaves are said to
resemble those of the Hepatica triloba, both in shape and size, being smooth,
glaucous and 3-lobed. Flowers with narrow petals, pale yellow. Crown of
spreading rays of the same length and color as the petals. Sept. Per.
Yellow Passion-floicer,
2. P. c^ru'lia.
Leaves palmate, 5-parted, entire ; pei/o/es glandular ; involucre 3-leaved, en-
tire; threads of corona shorter than the corolla. This is the tallest, most
woody, and most admired species of this large and noble genus. Native of
Brazil, where it grows to the size of a man's arm, and to the hight ot 30 feet.
It is tolerably hardy but requires protection from our frosts. It is cultivated
either from cuttings, seeds or layers. The leaves are exceedingly elegant,
smooth, glaucous, deeply palmate in 5 entire segments. Flowers blue out-
side, purple and white within, and continue but one day. Fruit ovate, yellow.
"Among all the beauties which shine in sunny robes," says Hervey in his
< Reflections on a Flower Garden' "this, I think, has the noblest import if
not the finest appearance. Were they all to pass in review, and expect the
award of superiority from my decision, I should not liesitate a moment. While
others appoint it a place in the parterre, I would transplant the Passion-flow-
er, or rather its sacred signification to my heart. There let it bloom both in
Summer and Winter, in the most expressive characters, and with undecaying
lustre." Common Passion-Jiuwer.
3. P. INCARNA'TA.
Xearts 3-lobed, serrate, lobes oblong, acute; petioles wiih 2 glands; invo-
luare 3-leaved ; threads of the corona longer tlian the corolla. This species
is a native at the South, and next to the above, is perhaps the most popular
in cultivation. The flower is rose color, variegated with purple, sweet-scent-
ed. Fruit the size of an apple, orange-colored. Flesh-colored Passion-flower,
4. P. malifo'rmis.
Leaves oblong-ovate, cordate, 3-nerved, veiny, entire ; petioles with 2-glands ;
involucre 3-leaved, larger than the flower. This is the siceet culabush of the
W. Indies. It produces large flowers, red, white and blue, but of short dura-
CPCUEBITACEjE. 140 ECHJNOCTSTIS.
tion. Fruit of the size and shape of a large apple, orange-colored when ripe,
with a tliick rind and sweetisli pulp. It is served up in desserts.
iSweel Calabash. Granadilla.
ORDER LX. CUCURBITACE^. The Gourd Tribe.
Cal. — 5-toothed. [marked with reticulated veins.
Cor. — Petals 5, united with each other and cohering to the calyx, very cellular, strongly
Sta. — 5, distinct, more generally cohering in 3 sets, Anth. very long and wavy or twisted.
Oi- in a stellate manner at the apex. '
ads. — More commonly indefinite, attached to the inner angle of the cells.
The greater part of the plants of tliis order are natives of the hot, sandy plains of the Cape
of Good Hope. A few are found in S. Europe, N. Africa, &c., and only one genus, Sesu-
vium, along the sea shore of the Middle and Southern Slates.
MESEMBRYA'NTHEMUM.
Calyx S-cleft; petals many, linear; capsule fleshy, turbin-
ate, inferior, many-seeded.
Gr. f/,i(rrifA,i3Qi,u., the mid-day, avSoi, flower; because the plants open their
flowers about that time. Exotic. Mostly herbs, thick and fleshy.
1. M. CRYSTALLINUM.
Leaves large, ovate, acute, wavy, frosted, 3-nerved beneath; root biennial,
A popular house plant, from Greece. It has a creeping stem a foot or more
in length, which, together with the leaves, is covered over with numerous,
frosty, warty protuberances, giving the plant a very singular aspect. Flow-
ers white, appearing all summer. Ice-plant.
2. M. cordifo'lium.
Leaves petiolate, cordate-ovate ; stems procumbent, spreading ; calyx 4-clefl,
2-horned. An interesting little plant, well known in house cultivation, native
of Cape Good Hope. The whole plant fleshy and succulent like others of
its kind. Howers pink-colored. Calyx thick, green, the horns opposite.
Capsule translucent, marked on the suimnit with cruciform lines.
Heart-leaved Ice-plant,
The numerous species of this extensive genus, says I^oudon, are sino-ular
yet beautiful, and some even splendid plants. Their leaves are of odd shapes,
and the habits of most are slovenly and insignificant, though some are grotesque.
But the flowers make ample amends by their profusion, brilliancy of color
and the length of time they continue in bloom. Few are annual, fewer bien-
nial, many perennial, but most Ure shrubby, especially at base. Leaves most-
ly opposite, thick or succulent, of various forms. Flowers solitary, axillary,
supra-axillary, and more frequently terminal, The hardy sorts will grow in
the open air if protected during- winter.
CRASSULACE^.
147
ORDER LXV. CRASSULACE^. The, CrassuU Tdhe.
C„;._Sepals 3—20, more or less united at base, persistent.
Cor.— Petals as many as the sepals, clistinet, rarely colierin.a:,
Sta.—As many as the petals and alternate with them, or twice as many. [lengthwise.
Oc«.— As many as the petals and opposite them. Fil. distinct. Anth. 2-oelled, bursting
i.>._Follicles as many as the ovaries, each opening by the ventral suture, many-seeded.
A family of herbs and shrubs, all (except Penthorum) remarkable for their succulent
stems and' leaves, chiefly natives of the warmer rejrions of the globe, particularly the Cape
of Good Hope. About 20 are found in North America. They grow in the thinnest and
dcyesx soil, on naked rocks, sandy deserts, &c. They have no remarkable properties except
a slight acridity. Many are highly ornamental.
Conspectus of the Genera,
i Stamens 4, TWact. 1
fin 4s ; ( Stamens 8, IjiyophyUum. o
I Carpels distinct, . . Srdmn. 2
( in .5s ; stamens 10 ; ( Carpels united, . . Penthorum. 4
Floral organs arranged ( in 12s, Senipervivum.3
Tribe 1, CRASSULE^. Carpels distinct, follicular.
1. TlLhJE'A.
Calyx of 3 — 4 sepals united at base; petals 3 — 4, equal;
stamens 3 — 4 ; capsules 3 — 4, follicular, opening by the inner
suture, 2 or many-seeded.
In memory of Mich. Ang. Tilli, an Italian botanist; died 1740. — Very mi-
jfiute, annual, aquatic herbs. Leaves opposite.
T. SIMPLEX. JViitt. T. ascendens. Eaton.
Stem ascending or erect, rooting at the lower joints ; leaves connate at the
base, linear-subulate, fleshy ; flowers axillary, solitary, sessile. A very small
plant, on the muddy banks of streams. Stem 1 — 3 inches high. Flowers
white or greenish ; petals oval, flat, acute, twice as long as the oval minute
calyx, and longer than the stamens and fruit. Pigmy-weed.
2. SEDUM.
Calyx of 4 — 5 sepals united at base ; petals 4 — 5, distinct ;
stamens 8 — 10; a nectariferous scale at the base of each of
the 4 — 5 carpels.
Lat. sedcre, to sit ; the plants growing on bare rocks look as if sitting there.
— Mostly herbaceous. Inflorescence cymose.
1. S. TERNA'TUM.
Leapcs ternately verticillate, flat,obovate, entire, smooth, the upper ones scat-
tered, sessile, lanceolate ; r?/»ree in about 3 divisions ; _/fotfe7-5secund. A small,
creeping plant, with a 3-forked spike of white flowers. Stems 6 inches long,
branched and decumbent at the base. Flowers with 8 stamens, the other parts
in 4s. July. Aug. Per, Stone-crop.
2/S, telephoi'des.
Leaves broadly-lanceolate, alternate at base, subdentate, smooth; cymes
dense, corymbose; stamens \0, the sepals, petals and carpels in 5s. Found
on the shores of Seneca Lake, &c. Stem a toot high, with numerous, purple
Sowers in a terminal, branching cyme. Jl. Per.
CRASSULACE.^. 148 PENTHORUM.
3. S. Anaca'mpseros.
Leaves wedge-shaped, alternate at base, subsessile ; stems decumbent ; floic-
ers in corymbose cymes. Native of France, growing there in the crevices of
rocks Root fibrous. Stems reddish and decumbent at base, erect and glau-
cous above. Leaves fleshy, of a bluish green. Flowers purple, in leafy, ter-
jninal tufts. July. Cultivated. Per. Evergreen Stvne-crop.
4. S. tele'phium.
Lcnvrs Cattish, serrate, scattered; root tuberous, fleshy, white ; sf cms two
feei high, erect; corymbose cij7ne leafy. Native of Europe. Cultivated. Stems
simple, leafy, round, smooth, purplish. Leaves sessile, ovate, fleshy, tooth-
serrate. Flowers purple 01 white, in dense, terminal, leafy tufts. Aug. Per.
This plant much resembles S. lelephoidcs. Covimon Orpine. Live-forever.
3. SEMPERVI'VUM.
Caljx of 12 united sepals; corolla of 12 petals; capsules
12, manj-seeded.
Lat. semper vivere, to live forever; in allusion to the tenacity of life which
distinguishes these plants. Succulent herbs or shrubs, all exotic, some of
which are ornamental.
1. S. arbo'reum.
Stem arborescent, smooth, branched ; leaves cuniform, smoothish, bordered
with soft, spreading ciliae. A carious and ornamental plant, from the Levant.
Stem very thick and fleshy, branching into a tree-like form, 8 — 10 feet high.
Flowers yellow. Evergreen. Tree House-leek.
2. S. tecto'rum.
ieares ciliate ; bulbs spreading; nectaries cuniform, crenulate. Native of
Britain. This plant is remarkable for the anthers bearing ovules instead of
pollen. Lindley. Common House-leek.
3. S. tabul^fo'rme.
Leaves closely packed together in a broad, flat disk. Native of Teneriffe.
Tabular House-leek,
Tribe II, DIAMORPHE^. Carpels united.
A. PENTHO'RUM.
Calyx of 5 sepals united at base; petals 5 or 0; stamen>s
10; capsules of 5 united carpels, 5-angled, 5-celled and 5-
pointed.
Gr. Tcivn, five ; on account of the 5-marked angles of the capsule. — An
erect, perennial herb, of little beauty.
P. SEDOI'DES. #
Stem, branched, angular above ; leaves nearly sessile, unequally serrate, lan-
ceolate ; cyme of panicled, simple, secund spikes. The only American species
of the genus. A hardy perennial, of moist situations. Stem a foot or more
in hight, its][|opposile angles fringed with minute hairs slightly branched.
SAXIFRAGACEJS. 149 SAXIFRAGA.
Leaves alternate, acute, smooth, green on botli sides. Spikes several, termi-
nal, recurved, witli one-sided flowers, forming a sort of corymbose cyme.
Flowers greenish yellow, scentless, appearing in July. Virginian iStonc-crop.
5. BRYOPHY'LLUM.
Sepals 4; petals 4, connate into a cylinder; seeds many.
Gr. PgiJid, to grow, (pt/XXoi/, a leaf; if the leaves are laid upon damp earth
tliey put forth roots from their notches, whence proceed young plants.
B. calyci'num.
Leaves oval, crenate ; flowers long, pendulous, cylindrical. April — July.
A stout, fleshy plant, from E. India. In growing, it requires but very little
water, and the i)ot should be kept well drained.
ORDER LXVI. SAXlFRAGACEiE. The Sax;f rage Tribe.
Cal. — Sepals 4 or 5, cohering more or less, persistent.
Cor. — Petals as many as the sepals, inserted between the lobes of the calyx.
iSfa.— 5— 10. Anthers 3-celled, opening longitudinally.
Om.— Inferior, usually of 2 carpels, cohering at base, distinct and divergent above.
Fr. — Generally capsular, 1 — 2-celled, many-seeded.
Herbs and .shrubs, small, but of elegant structure, native of temperate and frigid climes
in both continents. As a tribe, their roots are astringent. Several species are among our
most ornamental, cultivated plants.
Conspectus of the Genera.
( not much exserted, . . Saxifrnsa. 1
f stamen.s 10, \ manifestly exserted, . . Viarella. 4
f entire ; | stamens 5, Heuchera. 2
( petals 5, 1 peclinnlih ]inin;iiilid, Mitrlla. 5
Herbs ; I Petals none. Aij\itiiir ; ilrjjirssed ; leaves opposite, . . Cri/iospkniifin. 2
] PetaLs (not sepLdn) v;ilv;iti' ill aestivation, .... Hi/rlrnjigea. G
Siirubs; ( Petals convolute in ajslivation, PhUadelplms. 7
Suborder I, SAXIFRAGEiE.
Petals imhricate in (estivation ; carpels united, the summits distinct, forming a
beaked capsule. Herbs.
1. SAXIFRA'GA.
Calyx of 5 sepals, more or less united; corolla 5-petaled,
entire; capsule 2-heaked, 2-celled, opening between the
diverging beaks; seeds many.
Lat. saxum, a stone, andfrangere, to break; from its medicinal properties.
Cal. about half-inferior. Pet. spreading, narrow at base, attached to the cal.
Anth. '2-lobed, roundish, with a longitudinal dehiscence. Ova. ending in 2
short, spreading styles. — Perennial herbs.
1. S. Virginie'ksis.
Leaves mostly radical, cuniform-obovate, somewhat toothed, pubescent,
shorter than the stalk; stem, paniculate above. An interesting little plant,
blossoming in early spring, and growing mostly upon dry, rocky soil. Stem
€rect, pubescent, about half a foot high, bearing at top a panicle of numerous
white flowers. Leaves fleshy, tapering at base into the petioles.
Early Saxifrage.
N*
SAXIFRAGACEffi. ' 150
2. S. Pennsylva'nica.
Leaves oblong-lanceolate, hairy, denticulate ; stem naked ; peduncles alter-
nate, witli close cymes, forming a diffuse panicle. A common plant, much
laro-er than the foregoing, growing in wet meadows. Leaves all radical, large
and fleshy, pale green, 5 — 8 inches long, tapering into the petiole. Scape
2 — 3 feet high, gross, hollow, hairy and viscid, erect, with greenish yellow
flowers without beauty. May. Pennsylvuuian Saxifrage,
2. HE U' CHER A.
Calyx 5clert,the segments obtuse; corolla inferior, of 5 small
petals inserted into the margin of the calyx ; capsule 2 beaked,
2-celIed, many-seeded.
Named for Ilcucher, professor of medicine at Wirtemberg, Germany, and
a botanic author. — Perennial herbs, with radical leaves.
H. America'na.
Viscid- pubescent; scape and leaves roughish ; leaves whh roundish lobes,
dentate; teeth dilated, niucronate; panicle dicliotomous; calyx short, obtuse;
petals as long as the calyx, spathulate; stamens much exserted. Grows in rocky
shades. A neat plant, with radical leaves on long petioles, and a scape 2 feet
long, healing a long, forked panicle of purple flowers. Jn. Jl. Per. — The
root is astringent, hence the plant is called Mum-root.
3. CIIRYSOSPLE'NIUM,
Calyx lobes 4 — 5, colored within; petals 0 ; stamens 8 —
10; capsule 2-beaked or lobed at the summit, 2-valved, one-
celled, many-seeded.
Gr. XQ'~"^oi, gold, and a-rXriVj the spleen ; on account of its medicinal qual-
ities. Cal. very short, of 4 oval seg., the opposite ones narrower. Fil. very
short. Ova. half-inferior, ending in 2 awl-shaped styles, the length of the
stamens. — Small, aquatic herbs.
C. AmERICA'NUM. C. oppositifolium.
Leaves opposite, roundish, slightly crenate, tapering to the petiole. A small
plant, in springs and streams, spreading upon the muddy surface. Stem
pquare, 3 — G ini-hes long, divided in a dichotomous manner at top. Leaves
opposite, half an inch in length, smooth. Calyx 4-cleft, greenish yellow with
purple lines. Corolla 0. Stamens 8, very short, with orange-colored anthers,
which are the only conspicuous part of the flower. Tlie terminal flower is
sometimes decandrous. Apr. May. Golden Saxifrage.
4. TIARE'LLA.
Calyx 5-parted. the lobes obtuse ; petals 5, entire, the claws
inserted on the calyx ; stamens 10 ; capsule 1-celled, 2-valvecJ,
one valve larger.
Lat. tiara, a mitre or some other head-dress; from the resemblance of the
capsule. Cal. segments valvate in estivation, deep, ovate, acute. Stamen.«(
longer than cor., inserted into the cal. Ova. cloven, ending in 2 very short
stvles. — Perennial herbs.
SAXIFRIGACEJE. 151 HYDRANGEA.
T. cordifo'lia.
Leorcs cordate, acutely lobed, toothed; teelh mucronate ; 5Cfl;?c racemose ;
stolons creepinsf. A commoa plant in the woods of N. H., where it is often
associated with the Mltclla dipliylla, which plant in its general aspect, it much
resembles. The scape arises from creeping' root-stalks about 10 inches high,
often bearing a leaf Leaves hairy, on long, hairy petioles. Flowers in an
elongated raceme, entirely white, with minute bracts. May. Jn.
Heart-leaved Tiarella.
5. MITE'LLA.
Calyx 5-cleft; petals 5, pinnatifid, inserted on the calyx j
stamens 5 or 10; capsule l-celled, with 2 equal valves.
Lat. mitra, a mitre, so named for the same reason as the last genus, which
it much resembles both in appearance and liabils. Cal. inferior, campanulate,
cleft half down. Pet. twice as long as the cal. each in many capillary seg,
Fil. shorter than cor. Styles very short. — Perennial herbs.
1, M. diphy'lla.
Leaves cordate, sublobate, toothed; stem 2-leaved. Very common in N.
England, and frequenting the same situations as the foregoing. The stem
arises a foot or more, bearing near the midst, two opposite, ovate, lobed and
toothed leaves. Radical leaves hairy, on long, hairy petioles. Flowers on
short pedicels, arranged in a long, terminal, thin spike, and most beautifully
distinguished by the pectinately pinnatifid while petals. Seeds black, shining.
Woods. May. June. Two-leaved Mitella .
2. M. NUDA. L. M. prostrata. Mx. M. cordifolia. Lam.
Leaves orbiculate reniform, doubly cienate, with scattered hairs above;
scape filiform, few-flowered, naked or with a single leaf; petals pinnatifid with
filiform segments. A very delicate species, growing in damp, rich, shadj
woodlands at Potsdam, N. Y., and in Northern N. Eng. Leaves and stems
lijrht green, pellucid. Scape 4 — 6 inches high, terminating in a thin raceme
of white flowers, with finely pinnatifid petals. They are erect or prostrate,
and send out creeping stolons from the base. Leaves | inch long and of near-
ly the same width. June. Dwarf Mltelia.
Suborder II, HYDRANGEA.
Petals valvate in astivation. Capsules 2-ceUed. Leaves opposite and loithout
stipules. Shrubs.
G. HYDRA'NGEA.
Calyx 4 — o-toothed, hemispherical, persistent; petals ovate,
sessile; stamens twice as many as petals; capsule 2-beaked,
opening by a foramen between the beaks. Marginal flowers
commonly sterile, with a flat, 4 or 5-cleft, broad, colored calyx.
Gr. voeoQj water, ayyioi/, a vessel ; because the cultivated species require
60 copious a su])ply of water. Petals, stamens and pistils in the barren flow-
ers, either rudimentary or 0.
HAMAMELACE^. 152 PHILADELPHTJS.
1. H. ARBORES'CENS.
Leaves ovate, obtuse or cordate at base, acuminate, dentate, smooth; flow-
ers in fastigiate cymes. An elegant shrub, common in the Middle States, and
cultivated in the Northern, attaining the hight of 5 — tj feet on its native sha-
dy banks. Flowers small, white, becoming rose-colored, very numerous,
mostly radiate. July. Aug. Common Hydrangea.
2. H. quercifo'lia.
Cymes radiate ; leaves oblong, sinuate, lobed, dentate, tomentose beneath.
A beautiful shrub, with very large and numerous sterile flowers. Native of
Florida, cultivated in gardens. Leaves very large. Flowers becoming red-
dish. Oak-leaved Hydrangea.
3. H. horte'nsis.
Cymes radiate; Zca»es elliptical, narrowed at each end, dentate, smootli.
A well known cultivated plant, probably native of China, where it has long
been cultivated in gardens. It produces a great profusion of very elegant
flowers, which, at first green, pass successively through straw-color, sulphur-
yellow, yellow, white, blush-color and pink ; but, although mostly complete,
they are barren like those of the snow-ball (Viburnum Opulus). By certain
kinds of culture, soil, &c. they become blue. It is to be reared in large pots
and supplied with an abundance of water. Peat mixed with loam is said to
change the hue of the flowers. Changeable Hydrangea.
Suborder III, PHILADELPHEiE.
Petals convolute in cestivation. Capsule 3 — A-celled, loculicldal. Shrubs.
7. PHILADE'LPHUS.
Calyx 4 — 5-partecl, half-superior, persistent; corolla 4 — 5-
petaled ; style 4-cleft ; stamens 20 — 40, shorter than the pe-
tals; capsule 4-celied, 4-valved, with loculicidal dehiscence;
seeds many, arilled.
A name used by AthenfEus for a tree now unknown. — Handsome flowering
shrubs. Leaves opposite, exstipulate.
1. P. GRANDIFLO'ruS. p. p. inodorus. Mx.
Leaves ovate, acuminate, denticulate, 3-nerved, axils of the veins hairy ;
stigmas 4, linear; style undivided. A very showy shrub, 6 feet hish, native
at the South, cultivated in shrubberies. Branches smooth, long and slender.
Flowers large, in a terminal umbel of 2 or 3, white, nearly inodorous. Calyx
divisions conspicuously acuminate, and much longer than the tube. June.
The upper leaves are often entire and quite narrow. Large-jlowered Syringa.
2. P. corona'rius.
Leaves ovate, subdentate ; styles distinct. Natn'e country unknown. It is
a handsome flowering shrub, often cultivated in our shrubberies. The flow-
ers are numerous, white, showy, resembling those of tlie orange both in form
and fragrance, but are more powerful in the latter respect. It grows 5 — 8
feet high, with opposite, smooth, ovate, stalked leaves, and opposite, reddish
twigs Ijearing leafy clusters of flowers. False Syringa.
UMBELLIFER^.
153 HAMAMELIS.
ORDER LXVII. HAMAMELACEiE. The witch-Hazd Tribe.
Cal. — Adherent to the ovary, 4-cleft.
Cor. — Petals 4, linear.
iSta.—8, those opposite the petals barren (or many and all fertile, with no petals).
Ova. — 2-celled, ovules solitar)'.
Pr. — Capsule coriaceous, the summit free from the calyx, 2-beaked, STCellcd.
A small order of shrubs, native of N. America and Japan. The leaves are alternate,
dentate, the veins running direct from the mid-rib to the margin. Stipules deciduous. —
No remarkable properties have been discovered.
The only Northern genus is Hamaraelis.
H A M A M E' L I S .
Calyx 4-leaved or cleft, with an involucel of 2 — 3 bracts at
base; petals 4, very long, linear; sterile stamens scale-like,
opposite the petals, alternating with the 4 fertile ones; cap-
sule nut-like, 2-celled, 2-beaked.
Gr. a^a., ^"uXov, that is. with an apple, because the fruit is upon the tree at
tlie same time with the flowers. — Shrubs or small trees.
H. Virginia'na.
Leaves obovate, acuminate, undulate-dentate, cordate with a small sinus at
base : fowcrs sessile, 3 — 4 together, with a yellowish calyx and 4 long, yel-
low, curled or twisted petals, appearing in October and the following months
even through the winter. It is a large shrub, consisting of several rather
crooked, branching trunks, from the same root, as large as the arm, and 10 —
12 feet high. Flowers in little close heads. Calyx with soft down. Capsule
roundish, oblong, partly invested by tlie permanent calyx, containing 2 nuts.
This curious shrub is not unfrequent in our forests, and amidst the reigning
desolations of autumn and winter, this alone puts forth its yellow blossoms.
The small branches were formerly used for " divining rods, ' to indicate the
presence of the precious metals and of deep springs of water, and there are
even at this day, persons who deem a denial of these virtues to the Witch-Ha-
zel, an ofitjnce little short of heresy. IVitch-Hazel.
ORDER LXVIII. UMBELLIFER^. The Umbelliferous Tribe.
Cal. — Adherent to the ovarj-, entire or 5-toothed.
Cor. — Petals 5, usually inflected jit the point, imbricate in aestivation.
Sta. — 5, alternate with the petals and inserted witli them upon the disk.
Ova. — Inferior, 2-celled, surmounted by the fleshy disk which bears the stamens and petals.
Sty. — 2, distinct, or united at their thickened bases. Stigma simple.
Fr. — Dry, consisting of 2 coherent carpels, separating from each other by their faces {com-
77iissure) into two halves [inerocarps).
Carpophore, — the slender, simple or forked axis by which the carpels are borne, cohering to
it by the laces of the commissure.
Ribs. — A definiite number of ridges traversing the carpels, the larger ones {primary^ alter-
nating with the smaller (secondary).
Vittir. — Liltle linear receptacles of colored volatile oil, imbedded in the substance of the
pericarp, just liencath the intervals of the ribs and the commissure.
Herliaceuui plants, with little that is attractive in their appearance, Stems hollow, fur-
rowed. li4BPcs usually divided, simple or compound, with sheathing petioles. Flowers
arranged in umbels, mostly white, often yellow, pink, blue or greenish, — This is a vast and
well defined natural order, natives of damp places, way-sides, groves, &c. in the cool
parts of tlie world. Very few are tbund in tropical countries except upon the mountains.
Projjerties aromatic, stimulant and carminative, depending upon a volatile oil residing in
the vittre of the fruit, in the roots, &c. The herbage is frequently pervaded by an acrid,
narcotic principle, rendering it very poisonous. Of tliis nature is tlie Conium maculatura
nMBELLIFER^.
154
SANICDLA.
Vumloclc), Cicuta virosa, CEthusa Cvnapium {fool's parsley), besides many otliers which
have, at least, a suspicious character. But the fruit is never poisonous, and is usually
stimulant and aromatic, as caraway, anise, dill, coriander, &c. Even the roots and herb-
age of other species are wholesoirie and nutritive, as the carrot, parsnip, sweet cisely,
celer>' and Areli angelica. The gum-resin, assafatida, exudes from incisions in the Ferula
of Persia ; the gum gaWanum is the product of Galbanum officinale, an Indian species.
The genera of the Umbelliferre are numerous, and not easily distingnislied. The char-
acters by which DeCandolle has more successfully than any other author divided this or-
der into tribes and genera, are chiefly founded upon the number and development of the
ribs, the presence or absence of the vittm, and the form of the albumen, particularly at the
commissure. These parts therefore, minute as they are, will require the special attention
of tlie student.
Conspectus of the Genera.
I. ORTHOSPERMA. Mbumen (seeds) flat on the inner face.
< Leaves peltate or cordate, Hydrocotyle. 1
J Fr. not prickly: 1 Leaves linear, . . . Crantzia.
' Umbels simple ; ( Fruit clothed with hooked prickles, . . SanicuUx.
' Involu.many-lvd., Ckuta.
t Livol.Oor
\ minute ;
Umbels
Flowers
white ; [ compound; [ comprsed.
' Fruit evid-
ently com-
pressed
Fruit
;carcely
'on the J ;
sides; ' Involucre '
15
1
Involucels few-lvd. Cryptotmnia. 4
Involucels wanting, Cnrum. 1(5
of entire bracts, Siiim. 3
of cleft bracts, Disr.oplcura. 20
Margin of fruit I Stem slender, ArcMmora. V2
on the I singly-winged; ( Stem stout, Heradeum. 14
back; ( Margin of fruit doubly-winged, Archangelica.'il
Involucre 0 ( Involucel3-lvd. JEthusa. 10
f not { or 1 — .3-lvd ; | Involu. 5-7-lvd. Coniosdinum.\9
ibrstly, ( Involucre 4 — 6-leaved,
clothed with bristles.
Flowers
yellow ;
I Fruit coittracted on the sides, .
I minute ; . . . j Fruit not contracted on the sides,
I very large ; fruit compressed on the sides, .
I Ribs winged,
f on the sides. | Ribs rouiided
Involucels 0 ; fruit compressed ; ( on the back ; seeds flat,
f Involucels
Ligwiticum.
Dmiais.
Zizia.
Thaspium.
Biiplexirum.
Aphim.
Anethum.
Pastinaca.
II. CAMPYLOSPERM.E. Albumen (seeds) involute at the edges, forming a longi-
tudinal furrow on the inner face.
( linear-clavate. with bristly ribs. Flowers white ; umbel few-rayed, Osmorhiza. 22
Fruit I ovate, compressed at the sides, with smooth ribs. Flowers white. Conium. 23
III. cTELOsPERMiE. Alhumcn (seeds) involute at the base and apex.
Erigenia. 24
. Coriandrum.'ia
(of a single, bipinnatifid leaf; root tuberous, .
Involucre ( of a single subulate leaf, or wanting ; ribs obsolete,
Suborder 1, ORTHOSPERMA.
The inner surface of the seeds and albumen flat, or nearly so.
1. SANI'CULA.
Umbels nearly simple, capitate ; flowers of the centre abor-
tive ; fruit solid, subglobose, armed with hooked prickles.
Lat. sanare, to cure ; wonderful virtues were formerly imputed to the San-
icle as a vulnerary. Fls. polygamous, the outer without stamens, fertile; the
inner barren. Cal. of the fertile fls. larger than of the barren, 5-Ieaved, acute.
Pet. of barren fls. lanceolate, channelled, inflected; of the fer. deciduous or 0.
Fil. hair-like, twice as long as pet. Ribs of the carpels 0. Vittaj numerous.
— Perennial jierbs. Flowers white or yellow. ^
S. Maryl.\'ndica.
Leaves 5-parted, digitate ; leaflets or segments oblong, cut-serrate ; staminate
flou-crs numerous, stallied, perfect ones sessile ; teeth of the c.alijx entire. Low
woods and thickets. Stem erect, 1 foot high, smooth, furrowed, bearing a few
UMBELLlFERiE, 155 CRTPTOTJENIA,
quinate leaves. Near the top it divides into two or more short branches, each
of which divides again into peduncles, with small, capitate umbels of minute,
white flowers. At the points of these divisions are situated leaflets apparent-
ly ternate, resembling involucres. Leaflets oblong-lanceolate, pointed at each
end, cut into irregular, mucronate serratures, the lateral ones often confluent
at base. Most of the flowers barren. Tube of the calyx echinate. Petals
with a closely inflexed point, apearing emarginate. Jn. Sanicle.
2. DAUCUS.
Involucre pinnatifid; the central flower of each umbellet
abortive; fruit oblong; carpels with 4 rows of flat prickles,
and 3 intermediate, bri.stly ribs.
The Greek name of the Carrot. Cal. 5-toothed. Pet. emarginate with an
inflected point, the 2 outer ones often largest and deeply 2-cleft. Each car-
pel with 5 primary ribs, of which 3 are on the back, and 2 on the commissure,
and 4 secondary ones, all bristly. — Biennial herbs.
D. Caro'ta.
Stem hispid; petioles nerved beneath; haves tripinnate or pinnatifid, the
segments linear, acute ; umbels dense, concave. The word kar in Celtic sig-
nifies red, hence carrot. It is occasionally found wild in fields and by road
sides. Root fusiform. Stem 2—3 feet high, branching. Leaves numerous,
divided in a thrice pinnatifid manner, pale green. Umbels large and very
compact, with white flowers, blooming all summer. Cultivation has produced
several varieties. Carrot.
3. SlUM.
Involucres general and partial, the bracts many and entire ;
fruit nearly oval ; carpels with 5 obtusish ribs and several vit-
tas in the intervals; petals obcordate with an inflexed point.
Celtic sun, water; that is, a genus of aquatic plants. — Perennial, leaves
pinnately divided.
1. S. LATIFO'UUM.
Leaves pinnate ; leaflets oblong-lanceolate, acutely serrate ; stem sulcate-
angular. A tall plant, in swamps and ditches. Stem 3 feet high, hollow,
smooth, with 7 deep furrows and prominent angles. Leaflets equally serrate,
in about 4 pairs with an odd one, those submerged, if any, pinnatifid. Leaf-
stalks ezribracing the stem at base. Umbels large, with numerous, small,
white flowers. July. Aug. Water Parsnep.
2. S. LINEA're. T. S^- G. S. latifolium. /3. lineare. B.
Leaves pinnate ; leaflets linear, finely serrate ; bracts of the involucre linear-
lanceolate ; calyx teeth minute ; fruit obovate. In swamps. Stem three feet
high, furrowed and angled as the above plant, which it so much resembles in
its general aspect, as to have been generally, and perhaps correctly, consid-
ered only a variety.
^ 4. CRYPTOTiE'NIA.
Involucres 0; involucels few-leaved; margin of the calyx
obsolete; fruit linear-oblong or elliptic-oblong; carpels with
5 obtuse ribs; villas very narrow, twice as many as the ribs.
CMBBLLIFER^. 156
Gr. TcgyTrrti), to conceal, raivio., a wreath or border; in allusion to the obso-
lete border of the calyx. — Smooth, perennial herbs.
C. CaNADE'nsiS- Dc. Sison Canadense. L.
Zcfflce^ ternate, smooth ; /cr/;7e?s rhomboid-ovate ; M77)6e/s irregular. In moist
woods. Stem smooth, 1 — 2 feet high. Leaves alternate, on long stalks em-
bracing the stem at base. Leaflets m 3s, doubly serrate, the lower ones with
one or more deep incision, the upper becoming nearly sessile. Umbels axil-
lary and terminal, the partial ones with unequal rays, small, white flowers,
and minute involucra; universal involucre wanting. Fruit elliptic-oblong,
smooth. July. Uoneicort.
5. BUPLEU'RUM.
Involucres various; fruit laterally compressed ; carpels 5-
ribbed, the lateral ones marginal; seed teretely convex, flat-
tish on the face; calyx margin obsolete; petals very short,
broadish, entire, inflexed.
Gr. fiovi, an ox, and TrXivQov, a rib ; the application obscure. — Herbaceous
or shrubby. Flowers all pert'ect, yellow.
B. rotundifo'lium.
Involucres 0 ; involiiccls of 5 ovate, mucronate bracts ; /cnrfs entire, broadly
ovate, perfoliate. In fields and cultivated grounds, N. Y. Stem a foot or
more liigh, branching. Leaves smooth, acute above, round and broad at base,
one at the base of each branch. Involucels larger than the umbellets, of few
(4 — 8) small, yellow flowers. Annual. Tkorovgh-icax.
6. ZI'ZIA.
Umbels perfect; involucre 0; involucels few-leaved ; petals
acuminate, inflexed, carinate; fruit solid, gibbous; carpels
with 5 ribs, the lateral ones marginal; seed plano-convex.
Gr. (^K^ai/to!/, the name of some obscure plant. — Perennial herbs with yel-
low flowers.
1. Z. AIi'REUM. Dc. Smyrnium aureum. L.
Leaves biternate ; Zeffl/?e^s oval-lanceolate, serrate ; umbellets with short rays.
Hills and meadows. Stems 1 — 2 feet high, branching above, rather slender,
erect, hollow, angular-furrowed, smooth as well as every other part of the
plant, and furnished with few leaves. The lower leaves are on long petioles,
the leaflets with coarse serratures and sometmics quinate. The umbels are
about two inches broad, of 10 — 15 rays, the umbellets g inch broad, dense.
Flowers numerous, orange-yellow. Fruit oval, brown, with prominent ribs.
Root black, tufted, perennial. June. Golden Alexanders.
2. Z. INTEGE'rrima. Dc. Smyrnium integerrima. L.
Segments of the leaves oblique, oval, entire, very smooth, glaucous beneath ;
loicer Leaves tripinnate, upper ones bipinnate ; uiiiheh \v'\i\\ elongated pedun-
cles. Stem 1,2 — Id inches high. Umbels terminal, loose, of long, slender
OMBILLIFERJE. 157 LIGUSTICUM.
rays. Involucels of a few minute, subulate bracts. Leaves irregularly de-
<;ompound, on a dilated foot-stalk, sheathing at the base. Calyx teeth obso-
lete. June. Per. Entire-leaved AUxanders.
7. CICU'TA.
Umbel perfect; involacre few-leaved orO ; involucels manj-
leaved; fruit subglobose; carpels with 5 flattish, equal libs.
2 of them marginal; seeds terete.
A Latin name used by Virgil (Ec. 2d and 5th), but of unknown application.
— Poisonous herbs, perennial, aquatic. Stems hollow. Flowers white, all
perfect and uniform. Cal. of 5 broad, acute leaves. Pet. obcordate, the end
inflected. Fil. loRg as corolla. Carpophore 2-parftd.
1. C. macula'ta.
Stem spotted ; le&ves oblong, mucronately serrate. A common plant, 3 —
<5 feet high, in wet meadows. Stem smooth, hollow, striate, jointed, glaucous,
branched at top. Leaves compound, the lower ones thrice lernate, the upper
ones lernate-. Petioles dilated at base into long, abrupt, clasping stipules.
Leaflets acuminate, finely serrate. Umbels without the universal involucra,
partial umbels with short, acute, and narrow-leaved involucels. Fruit round-
ish, flattened, lO-furrowed, crowned with the permanent calyx and styles, and
separating transversely into 2 seeds. Flowers white. A dangerous poison,
ibut sGuaelimes used in medicine. JI. Aug. Per. American Hemlock.
2. C. bulbi'fera.
Leaves decompound, with axillary bulbs ; leaflets linear, with remote, di-
vergent teeth. Known by its slight, attenuated foliage. Wet meadows.
Stem 3 — 4 feet high, round, hollow, striate, green, with axillary branches.
Leaves various, those oi the stem generally biternate, those of the branches
ternale. Leaflets long, narrow, linear and linear-lanceolate, with narrow,
lecurved teeth. Bulblets situated upon the branches, opposite, and within the
axils of the bnicteate leaf-stalks. Umbels terminal, with no universal invo-
lucra. Partial umbels of close, small, white flowers, and a slight involucel.
August. Ann. Bulbiferous Cicula. Karrow-leaved Hemlock.
8. THA'SPIUM.
Involucre 0; involucels o-leaved, lateral; fruit elliptical;
carpels convex, with 5 win^^ed ribs,.
Perennial herbs, with yellow or purple flowers.
J;. CORDA TUM. JV««. Sinyrnium cordatum. Mx. Zizia cordalum. Dc.
Radical leaves simple , cordate, crenate; cauline ones ternate, stalked ; seg-
ments acute, serrate; umbels terminal Shady hills. Stem erect, slightly
branched, smooth, 2—3 feet high. Root leaves on long stalks, roundish-lieart-
shaped, the rest ternale, becoming only 3-parted above, all light green. Um-
bels dense with yellow flowers. Fruit black, oval, with 3 prominent, round-
ed, depressed ridges on each side. May. Jn. Per. Heart-leaved Mexunders .
9. LIGU'STICUM.
Fruit oblong; carpels with 5 acute, equal furrows; petals
equal, involute, entire; umbels perfect ; involucre none.
0
umbellifer;e.
158 ARCHANGKLICA.
From Liguria in Italy, said to be its native place. Fil. perfect. Cal. small,
pointed, erect, broad at base. Pet. elliptical, flaltish, undivided, contracted at
each end. Seeds with 3 dorsal and 2 marginal, equal wings.
1. L. Sco'ticum.
Stem leaves biternate, the 7ippcr ones tcrnate ; hiteral Unjleis oblique, the
terminal one rhomboid; bracts of the involucres numerous, linear. Sea coast.
Root thick, tapering, perennial. Stem a fool high, nearly simple, striate,
smootii. Leaves petiolate. Leaflets dark green, broad, smooth, serrate, en-
tire at the base. Flowers white. July. Sea Lovnge.
2. L. LEVl'STICUM.
Leaves numerous, lon"^ ; leaflets incised above. A tall, strong-scented plant,
native of Italy, cultivated for its reputed medicinal properties. Plant 5 feet
hioh, with leaves of various and numerous divisions. Flowers white. June.
July. Per, Common Lavage.
10. iETHU'SA.
Fruit clobose-ovate; carpels with 5 ribs, the ribs acute and
turgid, the lateral ones marginal, broader; intervals acute-
angled ; involucre none; involucels one-sided.
Gr. a.i6a/, to burn ; on account of its poisonous acridity. Flowers all perfect.
Pet. obcordate, with an inflexed point. Calyx-teeth obsolete. — Annual, pois-
onous herbs.
JE. Cyna'pium.
Leaves all uniform; leaflets pinnatifid. The specific name of this plant
{fcvvoi, uTiiov) sitrnifies dog's parsley. It grows in waste grounds, and much
resembles Parsley in appearance, but the form of the leaf, with its narrow,
cuneate segments, and its disagreeable odor, are sufficient to distinguish it.
Stem 2 feet high, green, striate. Leaves all of one form, dark green, flat. In-
volucre wanting. Involucels consisting of 3 leaflets, deflected, long, linear,
and situated on the outside. Jl. Aug. Foois Parsley.
11. ARCHANGE'LICA.
Umbels perfect; fruit somewhat compressed, with 3, cari-
nate, tiiicU ribs upon each carpel, with 2 marginal ones dilated
into membranaceous wMngs; villas very numerous.
So named by way of eminence, the plant being one of the largest, and pos-
sessing the most agreeable and useful properties of all the Umbeiliferae. Fls.
all perfect. Cal. teeth short. Pet. equal, lanceolate, entire, acuminate, with
the point inflected, shorter than the stamens. Commissure with 2 — 4 vittoe.
Carpophore 2-parted. — Perennial herbs.
1. A. ATROPURPU'REA. Hoffm. Angelica triquinata. Mx.
■ Stem dark purple, furrowed ; petioles 3-parted, the divisions quinate ; leaf-
lets inciseiy toothed, odd leaflet of the terminal divisions rhomboidal, sessile,
the others decuisive. A large umlielliferous plant, well known for its aro-
matic qualities, in fields and meaddws. Stem 5 feet high, an inch or more
in thickness, hollow, smooth, glaucous. Leaves oftener biternate than quin-
ate, smooth, pale and veiny beneath, on large, inflated petioles, which are
channeled on the upper side and dilated at base into large, inflated stipules.
XXMBELLIFERJE.
159 PASTINACA.
Leaflets cut-serrate, the terminal one sometimes 3-lobed, the lateral ones of
the upper division decurrent. Umbels 3, terminal, splierical, G — 8 inches in
diameter, without the involucre; umbellets on angular stalks and with in-
volucels, of subulate bracts longer than the rays. Flowers greenish white.
J^JJ(> Cuinman Angtlicu.
2. A. HIRSU'ta. r. i^/- G. Angelica hirsuta. Mh.
Stem striate, the summit with the umbels tomentose-hirsute; leaves bipin-
nately divided, the divisions quinate. segments oblong, acutish, tlie upper pair
connate but not decurrent at base. Dry woods, N. Y. Stem simple, straight,
erect, 4 feet high. Umbels on long, velvety peduncles. luvolucels about as
long as tiie rays. July. Aug.
3. A. OFFICINA'LIS. ILffm. Angelica Archangelica. L.
Stem smooth, round, striate; leaves bipinnately divided into lobate, subcor-
date, acutely serrate segment,';, the terminal one 3-lobed ; sheaths large and
saccate. Said to be native in Labrador, &.c. Cultivated in gardens occasion-
ally for the sake of the stalks, which are to be blanched and eaten as celery.
Garden Angelica.
12. ARCHE'MORA.
Involucres 0 or few-leaved; involiicels many leaved ; fruit
ova!, compressed; capsules with 5 ribs, the lateral ones mar-
ginal and winged; carpophore 2-parted; seeds Hat. — Peren-
nial herbs.
A. Ri'gidA. Dc. CEnanthe rigida. JV.
Glabrous; s in cacli wliorl.
Corolla pale yellow within, becoming reddish without. Stamens exserted.
Berries red. " The leaves are very obtuse, ending in a short, abrupt point.
June. Evergreen Honeysuckle.
5. L. SEMPERVi'reNS. Ait. Caprifolium sempervirens. Mx.
Flowers in nearly naked spikes of distant whorls; corolla trumpet-shaped,
nearly regular; leaves oblong, evergreen, the upper ones perfoliate-connate.
In its wild state this species is found in moist groves and borders of swamps,
N. Y., but in cultivation is a frequent inhabitant of our gardens and shrubbe-
ries. Fi-w plants are more admirable for the beauty of their flowers, though
they are deficient in fragrance. Stem woolly, twining with the sun. Leaves
ovate or elliptical, of a dark, perennial green above. Corolla trumpet-shaped,
nearly ~ inches long, dilated at the mouth, with 5 short, nearly regular seg-
ments, of a fine scailel without and yellow within. May — Aug.
Trumpet Honcysiickle.
6. L. PeRICLY'mENUM. Town. Caprifohum Pcriclimenum. L.
Flowers in ovate, imbricate, terminal heads; corolla ringent; leaves all dis-
tinct, deciduous. A woody climber, native of Europe, but cultivated and
naturalized. Leavesshort stalked, elliptic. Flowers yellow and red, fragrant.
Berries red. May — July. Woodbine Honeysuckle.
fi.' quercifolia ; oak-leaved; /cai'cs sinuate.
7. L. Ita'lICUM. Dc. Caprifolium Italicum. L.
Flowers in a terminal whorl; coro?/« ringent ; Zea?;es deciduous, the upper
pairs perfoliate-connate. Native of Europe. Greatly admired in cultivation
for its beauty and fragrance. Flowers with various hues of red, yellow and
white. June — Aug. Common Italian Honeysuckle.
** Stem erect. Flowers pedunculate, geminate. Xvlosteum.
8. L. CIU'aTA. Jl/A. Xylosteumciliatum. P.
jBcr;je5 distinct ; /eayes ovate, sub-cordate, ciliate ; corolla saccate at base,
with short and subequal lobes; style exserted. A branching, erect shrub,
P
CAPRIFOLIACE^. ]70 TRIOSTEOM.
found in woods, 3 — 4 feet high. Leaves thin, oblong-ovate, often cordate at
the base, somewhat ciliate on the margin, and villose beneate when young.
Flowers pale straw-yellow, in pairs at the top ot the peduncle, with an obtuse
spur turned outwards at the base. Berries ovoid, red, in pairs, but not con-
nate, 3 — 5-seeded. June. Fly Honeysuckle.
9. L. OBLONGIFO'LIA. Hook. Xylosteum oblongifolium. Goldie.
Berries connate, or united into one, globose, purple ; leaves oblong oi oval,
velvety-pubescent beneath ; coro//rt deeply bilabiate, gibbous at base; pedun-
cles erect, long, filiform. A shrub 3—4 feet high, growing in swamps. Leaves
on short stalks. Peduncles about as long as the leaves. Corolla hairy, green-
ish yellow outside, purplish inside, the lower lip nearly entire, the upper one
4-lobed, erect. Berries marked with the remains of the two calyxes. Jn.
10. L. CCF.RU'lEA. L. Xylosteum villosum. B. X. Solonis. £a.
Berries connate or united into one, deep blue ; leaves oval, obtuse, villose on
both sides, becoming nearly smooth ; peduncles short, refiexed in fruit; hracts
lomrer than tiie ovaries. A small shrub, in rocky hills and woods. Stem 2
feet°high, with small leaves and pairs of small, yellow flowers, which are long-
er than their peduncles. Leaves ovate, oval, obovate and oblong, ending ab-
ruptly. May. June.
2. DIERVI'LLA.
Calyx tube oblong, limb 5-cleft ; corolla twice as long, fun-
nel-shaped ; the limb 5-cleft, and nearly regular; stamens 5;
capsular fruit 2-celled, many-seeded.
Dierville, a French surgeon, sent this shrub from Acadia, where he was
traveling, to Tournefort, who named it after him. Shrubs, with ovate or ob-
long, serrate, deciduous leaves. Flowers bibracteate. Capsule apparently 4-
celled, from the projecting placentaj.
D. TRI'fIDA. Mamch. D. Tournefortii. Mx. D. Canadensis. Mh.
Leaves on short stalks, ovate-acuminate; capsule attenuate above; racemes
axillary and terminal, I— 3-flowered. A shrub, 2 feet high, branching, with
greenish yellow, somewhat irregular flowers, in small clusters. Stamens and
style much exserted. Stigma capitate. Jn. Busk Honeysuckle.
3 . T R I O' S T E U M .
Calyx tube ovoid, limb 5-parted, segments linear, nearly as
long a"s the corolla; corolla tubular, gibbous at base, limb 5-
,, lobed, subequal ; stamens 5, included ; stigma capitate, lobed ;
\ fruit drupaceous, crowned with the calyx, 3-celled, o-seeded ;
seeds ribbed, bony.
Gr. rpui, three, oa-nov, a bone ; on account of its 3, hard, bony seeds.
Perennial herbs (rarely suft'ruticose).
T. perfolia'tum.
Leaves oval acuminate, connate ; flowers axillary, veiticillate or clustered.
A coarse, unattractive plant, growing in rooky woods. Stem simple, stout,
CAPRIFOLIACE^. 171 SAMBUCTJS.
erect, round, hollow, 3 — 4 feet high, covered with soft, clammy hairs. Leaves
six inches in length and three in width, entire, abruptly contracted at base,
yet always connate, nearly smooth above, pubescent beneatii. Flowers sessile,
in clusters of 5 or 6. Corolla dull purple, viscid-pubescent, the limb in five
rounded lobes. Fruit a rather dry drupe, somewhat 3 sided, crowned with
the long, leafy, spreading caly.ic segments, orange-colored when mature, con-
taining 3 bony nuts or seeds. June. The root is large and fleshy, and in
much repute in medicine, having many of the properties of Ipecacuanha, both
as emetic and cathartic. Fevenoort.
4. SYMPHORICA'RPUS.
Calyx tube c;lobose, limb 4 — 5-tootlied ; corolla funnel-
shaped or bell-shaped, the limb in 4 — 5 subequal lobes; sta-
mens 4 — 5, inserted on the corolla; stigma capitate; berry
globose, 4-celled, 2-seeded (2 opposite cells abortive).
Gr. o-vv, together, ^^Q^, to bear, 5tag7ro«, fruit; that is, a plant which bears
its fruit collected in compact bunches. Small shrubs, with entire leaves and
small flowers.
S. RACEMO SITS. Mz, Symphoria racemosa. Fers.
F/o(oer5 in terminal, loose, interrupted, often leafy racemes; corolla cam-
panulate, densely bearded within; style and stamens included. A smooth,
handsome shrub. *2 — 3 feet high, common in cultivation, and native in West-
ern N. Y., Canada, &c. Leaves oval or oblong, the maigin often wavy, near-
ly or quite smooth, paler beneath, on short petioles. Corolla rose-color, the
throat filled with hairs. Berries large, round or ovoid, of a snowy white
and very ornamental when mature. July. Aug. Siiow-berry.
5. LINN ^' A.
Calyx tube ovate, limb 5-parted, deciduous; bractcoles at
base, 2 ; corolla campanulate, limb subequal, 6-lobed ; stamens
4, 2 longer than the other 2 ; berry dry, o-celled, indehiscent,
1-seeded (2 ceils abortive).
Named by Gronovius, in honor of Carl von Linne, the most profound natu-
ralist of liis own, or, perhaps, of any other times. A trailing, evergreen herb,
widely diff'used throughout the Northern Temperate Zone.
L. borea'lis.
The only species, native of moist, shady, rocky soils, generally in evergreen
woods. It has long, creeping, filiform, brownish stems, rooting and branch-
ing their whole length, and covering the ground in large patches. Leaves
small, opposite, petiolate, roundish, with obtuse lobes or teeth and scattered
hairs. Peduncles filiform, slightly hairy, about 3 inches high (tiie only erect
part of the plant), the lower part leafy, the upper furnished with a pair of mi-
nute, linear, opposite bracts and terminating with 2, pedicellate, nodding
flowers. The corolla is rose-colored and very fragrant. Jn. Twin-flower .
Tribe 2, SAMBUCE^.
Corolla regular, rotate. Stigmas 3 — 5, nearly sessile.
6. SAMBU'CUS.
Calyx 5-parted; corolla 5-cleft ; stamens 5: berry pulpy,
3-seeded.
CAPRIFOLIACEiE. 172 VIBURNUM.
Lat. samhiica, a musical instrument, said to have been made of the Elder,
Shrubs or perennial herbs, w)lh pinnate or bipinnate leaves. Floweis in
cymes. Cal. small. Cor. concave, the seg obtuse. Fil. lono- as cor. Stj'le
0. Stig. obtuse, small, sessile. Berry globular.
1. S. Canade'nsis.
.S' according to Brown, while in the Island
and he TubnlXr^ln W r. ^'&"''fl°™ "? «.=y'l 1° be most abundant in cold regions,
loath America. I^ the ^,nnhf "'-^^'V" f'^biatiflornB are almost exclusively confined to
j-outu Amenca. In the northern parts of the wor d the Comnosils! are universnllv he-,-
Chlw^l'lf^v"' towards the tropics they gradually become fZescent Ind e ^.^ rees l^
«ri^Ti ' ^ , , ^,"™P"3ita3 furnish comparatively few useful nroducis A bitter
ucLomt.^ tonic anajelnfugal, as in the caniomi e, cots-foot, thorouohwort e-olderimd ,?c
Some are a„t^,f.mmUcs from the prevalence of the resinous pincTpSl^laiWlvAilemi^i^
of Arlemisia " O^her' "^".T'' "" '""'''"^''j '''"<^^' =^* -'™W"od and "aU" ',h1'~ cs
(Hebam Hmb,m,^n r'^ihP vt^^Tt,?"^ acrid, as mayweed. The Jerusalem artichoke
Monop/,nlous involucrum : where the scales ar? united by d hi ed-es
PotypA2/Ho,« involucrum ; where the scales are distinct "
SM?;pte invohicrura ; where the scales are equal and arranged in a sin-Ie row
rowt/ve"ry fhon o^iT ' ^'^'""' ^ ''"'"^ ^"^^ "'" ^^'^ ^ -™unde7 afblsTby an outer
grfS';t.in7r"''^"'' ^^''"^ descales are in several rows, the outer ones becoming
cr^l::^dCf^i:^slS'ic^,^^^:l,^^inT'^' "'"'^ ^^'^^"'=^'^' '"<=•"-'• ^^ *« >"-'-
Colunmar,Jlat, conical or depressed^ according to its fiirra •
gous to bracts • '^"■^^' '''''"' "" ""'''"'* ^""^ ^"''^'^"''el "y chaffy scales which are anala-
AreohJe, where the alveoli, are reduced to aiiiere line •
lumbnllate, where the alveoli are split into le«th or biistles •
mkecL When smoothish, being destitute of chaff, alveoli, bristles &e
The FLOWERS are moreover said to be ' '"'°'"=-^- "'-
^the dtfk, where they stand in or near the centre of the head ■
Ofl/i^- my, wnen they .stand in the outer circle or circumference of the head-
cfSaT-'''''""'"^''''^' " " ■''" '""' "' '"'" "" '"" ''"" '^"'^ ^P--l"pe.' in the forra
^:^^^^"^'Z^^:^^^^,, ^''^ «-- - termed
r^'^l^'^rl^S^^ ^::^^'^''^^^ -^ P"'^^ - -— -, While those of the
Kf/\'''i'''''"\\'"' ^°Tl^ """^ ^" '■'""'«'«' ^« ■» *e dandelion ;
.nS lif^rT '^ "' """ '^^' "' ™^''^"' °"'5' "^^-^ 'io^'a'-> tl^-^ ^est being tubular, as
Mnt"^'^ '^■''"f ''" 'u^ *'°^''°'? "'"'= t"""'!^^' as in the thoroughwort :
M«noPctot«, where the saine head has bollJ staminate and pistillate Powers •
na?'3S:^]:s*or;iS;^:'S;^' ^'^-^ ^^^ -- °^ - ^-"^"^°»^ °^-™-
iy;^':S,^tmi'SsdbS: h^^^Hilir '^: "^!'^'"<'-'''-'« -I'h staminate heads on-
prolonged at the sumrni Into a men^^^ranoTts apriiX4^''%"H*"!^^ appendkulate. that is,
trate, when thev are nr<,lon